QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jafar Khan Mandokhail met the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Pakistan Henny de Vries to discuss strengthening of bilateral relations and explore opportunities for collaboration in various fields.

The meeting, held at the Governor House, focused on cordial ties between Pakistan and the Netherlands, recent political and economic developments in the region, and matters of mutual interest.

Both leaders agreed that there is significant potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries in new sectors.

Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic advantage, the governor noted that a large portion of the country’s population consists of youth, which presents both an opportunity and a challenge.

“While it is encouraging to have a young population, providing quality education and employment opportunities remains a pressing challenge,” he said.

The governor underscored the pivotal role of Balochistan in Pakistan’s future, stating that the province’s improving law and order situation has created a conducive environment for development. He stressed the need for equipping the youth with modern skills alongside traditional education to meet contemporary demands.

“In line with modern requirements, we are prioritising the activation of technical and vocational institutions across the province and introducing IT courses in 11 public sector universities of the province,” he said.

The governor also highlighted the agricultural potential of Balochistan, noting that a significant portion of the population is engaged in farming. He suggested that investing in solar energy could help address the energy deficit in the province, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and economic growth.

He expressed gratitude for the support and guidance of developed nations and international organisations in advancing top quality education and skill development in Balochistan. He reiterated the province’s commitment to fostering partnerships that would benefit its people and contribute to regional stability.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Governor Mandokhail and Ambassador de Vries, symbolising the strengthening of relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025