In a landmark event aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of youth employability in Balochistan, key stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society convened today to discuss strategies for turning obstacles into opportunities. The event, organized under the theme "Youth and Employability Challenges in Balochistan: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities," brought together influential voices to explore strategic initiatives that can empower the youth of the region.
The inaugural session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Abdul Rehman Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS. Dr. Luay Shabaneh, the UNFPA Representative for Pakistan and Co-Facilitator of the High-level Steering Committee for the D4D Initiative, joined the session online to deliver his opening remarks. Dr. Sajid Amin Javed, Deputy Executive Director of SDPI and Lead of the D4D Initiative, provided an insightful brief on the D4D Initiative.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Zahoor Buledi, Minister of Planning & Development, Government of Balochistan, who outlined the strategic initiatives being undertaken to promote youth development in the province.
The event's highlight was a technical panel discussion moderated by Syed Nisar Ahmed, Additional Director at NIC BUITEMS, and chaired by Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS. Esteemed panelists included Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani, MNA; Dr. Khadija Bari from IBA Karachi; Mr. Amjad Rasheed from the Taraqee Foundation; Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Chairperson of NAVTTC; and Ms. Fatima Dehghan, BUITEMS student representative. The panel discussed the multifaceted challenges and potential solutions to youth employability in the province, followed by an engaging Q&A session.
Dr. Sarmad Saeed Khan, Technical Specialist at UNFPA Balochistan, delivered the closing remarks. Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS, also shared his insights on the future steps to be taken.
This event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Bilal Sarwar and Dr. Nabeel ul Haq, who were the main organizers. Their commitment to fostering dialogue and creating actionable solutions for the youth of Balochistan was instrumental in the success of the program.
The discussions and outcomes from this event will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing youth employability in Balochistan, ultimately transforming challenges into opportunities for the region's young population.