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Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, stated that the journey of promoting education and knowledge in Balochistan has now entered a new, practical, and result-oriented phase. A prime example of this vision is the establishment of the “Zahoor Shah Hashmi Digital Library” in Gwadar. This library is not merely a collection of books, but a comprehensive foundation for intellectual, scientific, and social development, aimed at enlightening future generations with knowledge, research, and awareness.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of this historic library on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the project is more than just infrastructure — it is a vision realized through the collaboration of the public, district administration, and civil society. The event was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamood-ur-Rehman, and other senior officials.
He highlighted that the digital library is among the finest in Pakistan, fully built with the support of generous donors. Completed at a cost of approximately 60 million rupees, the facility houses over 300,000 digitized books and thousands of printed volumes. It features separate halls for women, children, and the elderly, as well as specialized areas for students preparing for competitive exams. The building is fully air-conditioned and equipped with a solar system to ensure uninterrupted power supply around the clock.
The Chief Minister announced that students in Gwadar would be provided with laptops and books to assist in their academic preparation. Addressing the youth, he encouraged them to embrace the path of education, skills, peace, and development, as this is the true future of Balochistan and Pakistan. He also expressed concern over misguided elements attempting to mislead young people but assured that the government would firmly stand by every youth who chooses the path of knowledge, awareness, and peace.
On this occasion, the successful completion of the Zahoor Shah Hashmi Digital Library was applauded, with special appreciation given to Deputy Commissioner Hamood-ur-Rehman and his team. The Chief Minister urged similar initiatives to be launched in other districts to promote a culture of reading, research, and learning. He also shared that, for the first time in Balochistan’s history, appointments in the education and health sectors have been made entirely on merit. Over 3,200 previously closed schools have been reopened, and for the first time since Pakistan’s creation, doctors have been appointed in several remote areas.
He further announced the launch of the “Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Program,” under which ten boys and ten girls from each district, who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in matriculation under government boards, will have their full 16-year educational expenses covered by the government. Additionally, the government is offering PhD scholarships to enable Balochistan’s youth to pursue scientific studies in the top 200 universities in the world.
This library is not only a milestone for Gwadar but also a role model for the entire province. It stands as proof that when the state, society, and local administration unite for a common cause, the doors to progress, knowledge, and enlightenment open naturally.
