QUETTA: Balochistan government has arranged 3,000 internships out of 8,000 in the Prime Minister’s Empowered Youth Programme to create employment opportunities for the young population of the province, Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz Uqaili said.

Presiding over secretaries’ committee meeting, he said that the internships will be offered in various departments. Apart from this, Google has increased scholarships for the youth of Balochistan from 1,000 to 3,000, enabling them to support themselves. So far 961 students, including 462 males and 279 females, have joined the programme.

Law Secretary Abdul Saboor Kakar, Prosecution Secretary Ghulam Ali Baloch, Finance Secretary Zahid Saleem and all the secretaries, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners participated in the meeting through video link.

During the meeting, the projection of development projects, PSDP, federal development projects, payment of Qesco bills, auction of government vehicles, and other relevant matters were reviewed.

The meeting was told that all borders have been sealed to curb wheat smuggling, resulting in lower wheat and flour prices compared to other provinces.

The chief secretary reiterated the importance of implementing national energy-saving measures to conserve electricity and gas, emphasising the need for administrative officers to take steps in this regard.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2023