Youth Voices and the Future of Balochistan
By Sheikh Abdul Razzaq
Balochistan has taken an important step towards strengthening youth participation in policymaking through the Provincial Youth Policy Dialogue & Commitment Forum, bringing together young people, government institutions, development partners, civil society, educational institutions and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges, aspirations and opportunities confronting the province’s young population.
The forum was organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs Balochistan in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Islamic Relief. The initiative aimed to provide young people with a meaningful platform to express their views, identify their priorities and contribute to the development of policies and programmes that directly affect their lives and future.
With its large and diverse youth population, Balochistan has considerable human potential that can contribute significantly to economic and social development. However, unlocking this potential requires more than acknowledging the importance of young people. It requires sustained investment in education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship, sports, health, digital literacy and leadership opportunities.
The dialogue provided an opportunity to focus on these areas through direct engagement with young people. Such interaction is particularly important because policies designed for youth are more likely to respond effectively to their needs when young people themselves are given space to identify challenges and propose practical solutions.
Education and skills development emerged as important areas requiring continued attention. In a rapidly changing economy, young people need access not only to quality education but also to market-oriented vocational training, digital skills and opportunities for entrepreneurship. Expanding these avenues can help young people become economically productive while creating new possibilities for employment and innovation within the province.
Employment remains another critical concern. For many young people, the transition from education to the workforce is difficult due to limited opportunities, inadequate skills or a lack of access to professional networks and financial resources. A coordinated approach involving government institutions, the private sector, development organizations and educational institutions can help bridge these gaps.
The forum also highlighted the importance of sports, health, social inclusion and leadership development. Sports can contribute to physical and mental well-being while promoting discipline, teamwork and social interaction. Similarly, greater attention to youth health and social inclusion can help ensure that development opportunities reach young people from different backgrounds and communities.
Most importantly, the dialogue underlined that youth participation should not be limited to occasional consultations. Young people need sustained and meaningful representation in processes where decisions concerning their future are made. Their ideas and experiences can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of existing programmes and help identify emerging challenges.
The commitment expressed at the conclusion of the forum to incorporate youth perspectives into future policymaking is therefore significant. Continued collaboration between the government, development partners, civil society and educational institutions can transform this commitment into practical action.
Balochistan’s future is closely connected with the opportunities available to its young population today. By investing in their education, skills, health, creativity and leadership, the province can build a generation capable of contributing positively to its economic and social progress. Empowering youth is not simply a development objective; it is an investment in the long-term strength and prosperity of Balochistan.