CM sees nexus between joblessness, insurgency

Kamal stresses need for a holistic approach to address issues

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has said the unemployment of youth has a strong connection to social risks such as crimes and antisocial behaviour.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of 2nd International Youth Summit in Lahore organised by the University of Lahore to deliberate on “Peace, Culture and Inclusive Societies”.

Kamal said: “The local insurgency and unrest in some parts of the province have a direct relationship with unemployment and poverty”.

However, he stressed limited job opportunities in public sector and stagnant growth in the private sector have also contributed to this phenomenon. Moreover, the conventional social and cultural behaviours in society, lack of quality technical institutions and sustainable urban development in the province cannot be ignored.

The chief minister highlighted that in Balochistan a small fraction of the youth completes their secondary education. “This results in more than three quarters of the youth exiting from the educational system and entering into labour market without any foundation or life skills,” he added.



The topic peace, culture and inclusive societies was very relevant to the prevailing circumstances, he said, adding that discourse on such topics was required not only in the country but also at the global level.

“When I look at the challenges of my province, this topic is one of the most important conversations required to take place,” said Kamal.

He lamented that those who end up in elementary occupations or remain unemployed, majority of them are female youth. In other words, he said Balochistan has a large number of uneducated, unemployed and untrained youth.

During the address, it was stressed that for youth engagement and mainstreaming of Balochistan the government has the continued support of army but it still required a holistic approach in addressing bigger challenges.

“We need to initiate a ‘political counter insurgency strategy’ through economic development, imparting quality education and technical skills, growth of middle class, creating strong communication mobility and creating jobs in the private sector,” he added.

The CM said that the government and youth both have a crucial role in finding solutions to the challenges faced by the country, as it was necessary for the relevant authorities to engage with its youth through social entrepreneurship ventures.

“The youth of our country, regardless of their gender, are responsible for making efforts to translate their ideas into good businesses instead of depending on government jobs,” he said.