QUETTA: The Balochistan government has been advised to treat education and employment on war-footing as it would bring the youth to political and social platform.

This was the unanimous point of view of a radio-based show Balochistan Kay Awaam Ki Awaaz (Voice of Baloch People), on Thursday. The ceremony was held at the local press club and attended by a large number of youths, both male and female.

The syndicated national radio show – aired from Radio Pakistan FM Quetta and simultaneously carried live from Peshawar, Multan and Mithi – was run by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) as part of its advocacy for rights and development.

Speakers at the show demanded of the government to extend support to social sector which they said would help in addressing issues related to it and bring political stability to the province.

Head of the CRSS Imtiaz Gul said that more than 300 Blaoch youths including students, political activists and members of the civil society took part in the two-year long programme. The main objective was to promote a dialogue about political and social issues through this syndicated programme.

He asked the government to help the organisation in running the show by buying air time for the programme from Radio Pakistan, FM and other media houses.

The project was anchored as per the fundamental human rights envisioned in the constitution of Pakistan and provided a platform for debate and for informing people outside Balochistan about political and economic issues of the province.

Khalid Baloch CRSS Programme Manager explained the capacity-building training imparted to 50 youth in Quetta. Participants visited Islamabad, Peshawar and Karachi as an exposure trip.

A senior journalist and right activist Shahzada Zulfiqar said the province needed advocacy on rights and development and good governance.

Education is part of governance and all should pressurise government to understand the urgency of education and employment opportunities, particularly for Baloch youth.

He urged the government to help in channelizing energies and talent of young generation in a positive direction, rather than turning them towards radicalised groups.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2015

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