Government of Balochistan has launched its flagship initiative—Resilience, Integration and Socio-Economic Empowerment (RISE) Program with allocation of Rs.16.79 billion through the Industries and Commerce Department
By Ahmad Aamir Latif
Balochistan – the country’s largest province in terms of land – comprises 36 districts, each characterized by distinct cultures, heritage, and socioeconomic contexts.
Despite its vast natural resource base and strategic significance, the province continues to face deep-rooted challenges, including high unemployment, limited economic opportunities, weak infrastructure, fragile security conditions, and the persistent marginalization of youth and women. Each year, thousands of young people transition into adulthood without access to market-relevant skills, sustainable livelihoods, or meaningful platforms for social and economic participation. This cycle not only perpetuates poverty and exclusion but also constrains communities from realizing their full development potential.
In response to these longstanding challenges, and recognizing the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking approach, Government of Balochistan has launched its flagship initiative—Resilience, Integration and Socio-Economic Empowerment (RISE) Program—with a PSDP 2025–2026 allocation of PKR 16.79 billion through the Industries and Commerce Department. The program is being implemented exclusively by Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) across six districts: Panjgur, Kharan, Washuk, Gwadar, Awaran and Kech/Turbat. Designed to empower youth and marginalized communities, RISE aims to enable income generation, wealth creation, and productive engagement, contributing to a peaceful, resilient, and inclusive society. The program addresses multidimensional poverty, unemployment, economic exclusion, and climate vulnerability, while envisioning long-term social and economic transformation through inclusive and sustainable development. At its core, RISE seeks to uplift communities, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and equip youth with the skills and tools needed to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
The Social Engagement component focuses on promoting social cohesion, trust, and peaceful coexistence by strengthening local governance structures, empowering youth and women, encouraging civic participation, and facilitating constructive dialogue between communities and institutions. Through comprehensive social engagement and peace-building initiatives, the program will reach approximately 70 percent of the target population—around 379,336 households. It will actively engage 900 youth, both women and men, as agents of social change to promote harmony, inclusivity, and community-driven transformation. Additionally, 180 local organizations will be strengthened to sustain peace and social harmony at the grassroots level, fostering long-term cohesion and mutual trust within communities.
The enterprise development component aims to reduce poverty and enhance climate resilience by promoting inclusive economic growth, sustainable livelihoods, and wealth creation. This will be achieved through skills development, enterprise support, improved access to finance, and the development of climate-resilient productive infrastructure, benefiting nearly 80,000 households. The program envisages the establishment of micro-enterprises for 57,464 households, while 4,320 youth will receive technical and vocational education and training (TVET), leading to employment opportunities. Furthermore, 1,620 climate-resilient productive infrastructures (livelihood centric) will be developed to expand income-generating opportunities for 16,500 households. Job opportunities for an additional 1,800 households will be created through the strengthening of 180 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the cascading of program activities. In parallel, 12,000 youth and entrepreneurs will be supported in accessing financial services—primarily through partnerships with institutions such as Akhuwat—thereby advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth across the target districts.
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