The ambitious "Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program," launched in October 2024 to empower Balochistan’s workforce, has instead become a symbol of systemic corruption and administrative failure. Intended to send 3,000 skilled workers to the Gulf, Germany, and Romania, the initiative is now under fire for shattering the dreams of the province’s youth.
Allegations of Nepotism and Quota Violations
During a Balochistan Assembly session, National Party MPA Rehmat Saleh raised a "Call to Attention" notice, exposing the collapse of meritocracy. Saleh revealed that no district or divisional quotas were maintained. While some favored districts saw 40 recruits selected, others were ignored with as few as three selections, indicating deep-seated favoritism.
Humanitarian Crisis Abroad
The reality for those sent abroad is grim. Out of the 3,000 promised placements, barely 250 were sent to Saudi Arabia.
Lack of Oversight: Recruits were handed over to private individuals rather than reputable firms.
Stranded Workers: Social media footage shows young men without food or housing, struggling for survival.
Mass Deportations: At least 70 youths have already been deported back to Pakistan due to invalid documentation and lack of employment.
The Multi-Million Rupee Visa Fraud
Startling revelations suggest a consultant charged individuals between Rs. 2.5 million to Rs. 3.6 million for consultancy fees. Despite 36 workers receiving confirmed fake work permits, the provincial government has yet to initiate legal action against the perpetrators. Furthermore, not a single visa has been issued for the 1,500 candidates selected for Germany and Romania.
Calls for Immediate Accountability
The Balochistan Assembly witnessed heated protests as members demanded Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti take personal notice of the scandal. The house has called for a high-level investigative committee to recover the looted funds and penalize the "visa mafia" preying on the province's impoverished youth.