Bugti launches women's endowment fund

CM says fund will advance women's independence in Balochistan

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that sustainable development in the province is impossible without women's active participation in the economic and social mainstream.

Announcing the establishment of the Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund, he termed the initiative a milestone that would enable thousands of skilled women across Balochistan to achieve financial independence.

Bugti made these remarks at the fund's inauguration ceremony, attended by Provincial Advisor for Women Development Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, cabinet members, lawmakers, and representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations.

"Women in Balochistan are capable and resilient, but they lack resources to fully realize their potential," the chief minister said. "It is the responsibility of the government to provide them opportunities to contribute alongside men in every sphere of life."

The chief minister announced that despite financial constraints, the government has increased the fund's size to Rs5 million to create greater business and employment avenues for women. He added that this initiative would serve as a model of economic empowerment in the province.

Bugti underscored the role of education, recalling the Quranic command "Iqra", which he said applied equally to men and women. He expressed his hope to see the daughters of Balochistan studying at world-class universities such as Harvard and Oxford.

Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Bugti described her as a global role model for women. "History will distinguish between those who misguide educated women towards destruction and those who empower them with education, property rights, and access to capital," he remarked.

In a significant announcement, Bugti revealed that the government is considering granting ownership rights to women in nearly 8,000 houses currently under construction for flood-affected families. He said the move would strengthen women's role within households and communities.

The chief minister also praised a woman entrepreneur from Khuzdar for establishing a Women's Bazaar, pledging additional government support for the project. Similarly, he commended the hardworking women of Gwadar and adjoining areas, assuring them of continued assistance.

Bugti highlighted the case of a visually impaired girl who had benefitted from the endowment fund, promising long-term support to secure her financial stability and dignity. He also lauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his initiatives in promoting women's empowerment, affirming that the provincial government was aligned with his vision.

Speaking at the event, Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi described women's empowerment as one of the government's foremost priorities. She said the endowment would not only strengthen women financially but also integrate them into the province's broader economic and social framework.

"Women in Balochistan are immensely talented," she said. "What they need are resources and platforms to translate their skills into progress for their families and communities."

Dr Buledi cited ongoing programs such as interest-free loans, business support facilities, and social development projects designed for women. She added that the Chief Minister's personal involvement in the fund demonstrated the government's recognition of women as a cornerstone of national development.