February 16, 2026
Islamabad – The Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening inclusive, resilient, and evidence-driven social development during his 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. Addressing representatives of development partners, federal and provincial government officials, and key stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that Balochistan stands at a critical juncture in redefining its social development pathway. He noted that the Government’s approach is grounded in evidence, reform, and strong partnerships, reflecting a shared responsibility to improve human development outcomes across the province. Highlighting measurable progress achieved over the past decade, the Minister pointed to encouraging trends reflected in national surveys and development studies. Child mortality rates have declined significantly, with infant mortality reduced to approximately 66 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality declining to 78 per 1,000 live births, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted investments in health systems and child welfare. The Minister also noted progress in education access, with literacy rates in Balochistan gradually improving from approximately 42 percent in recent years. However, he acknowledged that challenges persist in learning outcomes and transitions to secondary education, underscoring the need for sustained reforms to strengthen education quality and retention. He further highlighted that multidimensional poverty has declined over time, reflecting the positive impact of sustained social sector investments. Despite this progress, Balochistan continues to face the highest levels of deprivation nationally, emphasizing the urgency of accelerating improvement through stronger service delivery systems and integrated policy interventions. The Minister acknowledged that while significant investments have been made in expanding infrastructure, including education support programs, health system strengthening, and water supply initiatives, key indicators such as female literacy, nutrition outcomes, and service quality remain areas of concern. He stressed that the Government’s next phase of reform will prioritize human capital development, quality of services, and resilient delivery systems. Outlining the Government’s strategic direction, Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi stated that the Government of Balochistan is transitioning from a project-centric approach to a systems-oriented and outcome-focused model. Key priorities include strengthening service delivery performance, integrating health, nutrition, education, and social protection systems, leveraging data and digital tools for improved planning and accountability, and aligning provincial investments with Sustainable Development Goals and climate resilience principles. The Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with key development institutions, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, KfW, World Food Programme, and United Nations Development Programme. He underscored that the Government seeks strategic, programmatic partnerships focused on delivering measurable outcomes rather than isolated projects. The Minister outlined key areas for collaboration, including improving learning outcomes, strengthening frontline health and nutrition services, expanding climate-responsive social protection systems, investing in women and girls as central drivers of human development, and enhancing monitoring and data systems to ensure accountability and results. In conclusion, Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi reaffirmed the Government of Balochistan’s commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and accountable social systems. He invited development partners to align with the Government’s vision for results-based, long-term partnerships that strengthen frontline service delivery, promote gender equity, enhance climate resilience, and ensure that every investment translates into meaningful and measurable improvements in the lives of the people of Balochistan
