QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday emphasised that sustained investment in human development was the only guarantee of a prosperous and stable future for the province.

The chief minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led by Country Representative Luay Shabaneh, in Quetta.

Discussions focused on key population-related challenges facing Balochistan, including maternal and child health, youth and women’s welfare, and the promotion of data-driven policymaking.

The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Population Agha Umar Khan Ahmedzai, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Population Secretary Zafar Khan Baloch, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Babar Khan, and UNFPA Quetta Office chief Saadia Ata.

Both sides agreed to establish a coordinated provincial task force on population issues.

The task force will ensure interdepartmental coordination and oversee the implementation of policies related to population management, health, and education.

CM Bugti stressed that policymaking must be aligned with modern requirements through advocacy and a robust data governance framework, ensuring that all decisions were based on credible evidence.

He reiterated that education and health remain top priorities of the provincial government, noting that sustainable development could not be achieved without meaningful progress in these sectors.

The chief minister highlighted that institutional reforms were essential to improving maternal and child health indicators.

He added that the welfare of youth and women must be treated as the cornerstone of Balochistan’s social and economic development.

“Investment in human development is the true guarantee of Balochistan’s bright future,” he said.

UNFPA Country Representative Shabaneh praised the Balochistan government’s policy priorities and reform initiatives.

He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to strengthening support for population, health, and human development projects in the province, assuring continued close collaboration to achieve shared development goals.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2026