Turbat, October 1 — The vibrant Kech Festival kicked off in Turbat with a large number of students, intellectuals, and citizens participating in the opening ceremony.
Renowned scientist and Quaid-e-Azam University professor, Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, was the chief guest at the inaugural event. Other notable participants included former Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Provincial Minister for Planning Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Adviser on Sports and Youth Affairs Meena Majeed, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Mir Asghar Rind, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Haji Barkat Rind, Additional Chief Secretary Zahid Saleem, and Commissioner Makran Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani.
Deputy Commissioner Kech, Bashir Ahmed Baloch, welcomed participants with Balochi poetry and said, “The land of Kech has always been a symbol of knowledge, culture, and progressive struggle.”
In his keynote address, Prof. Hoodbhoy emphasized that no nation can progress without education. He highlighted the need to promote learning in mother languages while aligning youth with science and technology. “Nations don’t progress by constructing buildings but by building institutions and investing in people,” he remarked.
Former CM Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage through projects like the Kech Cultural Center and called for the completion of its second phase.
Provincial Minister Buledi lauded the enthusiasm of the people, noting that women’s participation reflected their empowerment and bright future.
The festival featured Balochi handicrafts, embroidery, local cuisine, art exhibitions, folk dances, and musical performances, showcasing the cultural richness of the province.
