Chief minister praises merit-based selection while thanking Punjab government for supporting tuition and hostel expenses of Balochistan students

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti met students selected for higher education scholarships at universities across different provinces on Thursday, discussing education, governance, development projects and challenges facing young people.

During the meeting in Quetta, students participated in a lengthy question-and-answer session with the chief minister and raised various issues concerning their studies and the province’s development.

Bugti said merit-based selection of students from different districts of Balochistan would help secure their educational future and create opportunities for talented young people.

Scholarships Open Doors for Poor and Middle-Class Students

Furthermore, Bugti said most scholarship recipients came from poor and middle-class families, making financial assistance particularly important for students who might otherwise struggle to access higher education.

He expressed satisfaction that Balochistan’s youth were receiving opportunities to study different disciplines at some of Pakistan’s leading universities.

Meanwhile, the chief minister acknowledged assistance provided by the Punjab government, saying it was supporting Balochistan students with university admissions as well as tuition and hostel expenses.

Bugti thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on behalf of the people of Balochistan for extending educational support to students from the province.

Students Urged to Reject Divisive Propaganda

Additionally, Bugti advised students studying outside Balochistan to make discipline and hard work central to their academic lives and fulfil their parents’ expectations.

He urged them to avoid involvement with anti-state organisations or propaganda, arguing that some groups exploit concerns about uneven development to create negative perceptions among young people.

Therefore, students should remain vigilant and distinguish between perception and reality, he said.

Bugti also strongly rejected narratives advocating Pakistan’s division and described the country as enduring and resilient.

Finally, he encouraged Balochistan students to act as ambassadors for Pakistan wherever they study and promote national unity while pursuing their academic and professional goals.