Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has raised concerns over the influence of social media on the province’s youth, warning that a deliberate conspiracy is at play to alienate them from the state. Addressing the fifth meeting of the Balochistan Cabinet on Friday, Bugti highlighted the urgent need to implement the Balochistan Youth Policy 2024 to guide the younger generation in the right direction and provide them with opportunities for growth and development.
“Seeds Of Hatred Being Sown”, Bugti
“Seeds of hatred are being sown in the minds of our youth through social media, under a well-thought-out conspiracy to keep them away from the state,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized that the Balochistan Youth Policy 2024 must be enacted in its true spirit to counter these negative influences and support the province’s youth in achieving their potential.
During the cabinet meeting, several key administrative decisions were made, including directives from the Chief Minister for the early repayment of loans owed by the food department to private banks. Bugti pointed out that interest payments amounting to two million rupees daily and six crore rupees per month are a burden on the people of Balochistan. “This is cruel and must be stopped,” he stated, urging for the practice to be discontinued immediately.
Professionalizing Police And Levies
Bugti also stressed the need for professionalizing the police and levies to restore peace in the province. He called for better coordination between the forces, regardless of jurisdiction, to ensure effective law enforcement. The Chief Minister further criticized autonomous authorities for their reliance on government resources, urging them to increase their own revenues instead of depending on state funds. “If non-developmental expenses continue to rise, the government will not have the resources to provide basic facilities such as education, health, and sanitation in the next ten years,” he warned.
Israr Kakar A Beacon Of Hope
The meeting also recognized the achievements of Israrullah Khan Kakar, the president of the Oxford Students Union from Balochistan, who was recently invited as a guest of honor at Oxford University in London. Chief Minister Bugti praised Israrullah as a symbol of hope for the province, noting that he is the second Pakistani, after Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto, to be elected as president of the Oxford University Students Union. “Hard-working and talented youth like Israrullah are the capital of our country,” Bugti said, pledging the government’s support to encourage such young talent.
As Balochistan faces challenges both within and outside its borders, the Chief Minister’s focus on the harmful impact of social media on the youth underscores the government’s broader strategy to foster unity and development in the province.
