Member National Assembly (MNA) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet to visit Balochistan. Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House on Monday, he emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister personally addressing the people and youth of Balochistan, explaining the measures being taken for their welfare. Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani invoked the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, stating, "Our martyred leader taught us that democracy is the best revenge." He highlighted his representation of the nation's youth in parliament, who make up 64% of Pakistan's population. He called for a dedicated quota in the defense budget for the education and livelihood support of martyrs' families. "The time has come for the youth to take their seats in the house and make decisions for themselves," he added. Raisani lamented the lack of youth-focused initiatives in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and expressed concern over the increasing number of disillusioned youth turning to terrorist organizations or becoming addicted to drugs.

Citing a report, he mentioned that 9 million people, including many young individuals, are drug addicts. He urged the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges, noting that unemployed and disgruntled youth are easy targets for recruitment by terrorist organizations. "Our youth are our asset, but if not guided correctly, they can become a ticking time bomb," he warned. The PPP MNA proposed collaboration between the federal and provincial governments to develop youth programs and designate various cities as IT hubs to enhance technological engagement among the youth. He also called for the introduction of Prime Minister Youth Sports Initiatives. Reflecting on the impact of terrorism over the past two decades, he shared his personal loss, with his brother and father among the hundreds of victims. His father, Shaheed Siraj Raisani, was killed alongside over 300 companions by anti-state elements. Despite having the option to take up arms, Raisani chose to engage in political processes to represent his people. Raisani highlighted the dire conditions of some martyrs' families, lacking basic necessities.

He reiterated the need for a quota in the defense budget to support their education and livelihoods. 25-year old Raisani expressed skepticism about the improvement of education in his constituency, Sariab, over the next 25 years. He pointed out that 55% of the buildings among the 14,000 schools are dilapidated and lack proper restrooms. The health sector is equally dismal, with inadequate facilities leading to preventable deaths and no trauma center in hospitals even in Quetta. The PPP MNA criticized the PSDP for not consulting Balochistan representatives, which he believes could have initiated significant projects in the province. He noted the irony that despite Balochistan producing gas, its residents still cook with firewood. The province suffers from severe water shortages, agricultural decline due to neglected canal projects, and electricity availability for only two to three hours a day. "We are not here to beg; we are here to claim our rights," asserted Raisani, demanding that the Balochistan quota be allocated to its rightful recipients.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan