February 15, 2026
Islamabad – The Additional Chief Secretary Balochistan, Zahid Saleem, delivered the opening address at the high-level policy consultation titled “Towards Inclusive and Resilient Social Services in Balochistan: A Policy Consultation,” organized by the Government of Balochistan with technical support from UNICEF on February 16, 2026, in Islamabad. Welcoming distinguished representatives of development partners, senior government officials, and stakeholders from across sectors, the Additional Chief Secretary underscored the importance of sustained partnerships and strategic investments to accelerate social and economic development in Balochistan. He emphasized that the consultation reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening policy dialogue, aligning priorities, and mobilizing coordinated support for long-term, sustainable progress. In his address, Zahid Saleem highlighted that Balochistan possesses significant untapped potential, and targeted investments in social sectors are essential to improving human development outcomes and reducing regional disparities. He stressed that the province now requires focused investments aimed at strengthening the quality, efficiency, and resilience of social service delivery systems. He further emphasized the need for investments in strengthening governance systems, improving institutional capacity, and enhancing data-driven planning and monitoring mechanisms. He noted that modernizing service delivery through digital systems and strengthening accountability frameworks would be critical to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. Zahid Saleem also highlighted the importance of climate resilience, noting that Balochistan is particularly vulnerable to climate-related risks, including drought and water scarcity. He called for enhanced support to strengthen adaptive social protection systems and climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure sustainable development. The Additional Chief Secretary reaffirmed the Government of Balochistan’s strong commitment to working closely with development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, and other international and national stakeholders. He emphasized that collaborative, programmatic, and results-oriented partnerships will be essential to translating policy commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Balochistan. In concluding his remarks, Zahid Saleem expressed confidence that the consultation would help identify strategic priorities, strengthen coordination among stakeholders, and lay the foundation for a comprehensive, government-led roadmap for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social development in Balochistan.
