HARD & NED organized District Women Assembly session in Quetta

QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Feb, 2026) Health and Rural Development (HARD), with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), organized a District Women Assembly session in Quetta to highlight pressing public issues being faced by women across various areas of the city.

The session was chaired by Chairperson Radha Kanwal and attended by members of the Women's Informal District Assembly (WIDA), including the Vice Chairperson, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and councilors from different Constituencies.

Councilors were given five to eight minutes each to present issues from their respective localities, while the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson documented all concerns.

Transportation emerged as a major issue. Thaira stated that the discontinuation of the old local bus service by the Government of Balochistan has created difficulties for students and working women who could not afford private transport. While acknowledging the introduction of green buses and special pink buses for women as a positive step following commitments by Provincial Minister for Women Development Dr Rubaba Buladi, the authorities need to expand services to all areas of Quetta.

Shenaz highlighted the shortage of government staff in rural areas, particularly in education and health sectors, leaving many schools and hospitals non-functional.

She recommended staff housing and additional incentives to encourage employees to serve in remote districts.

Education reforms were emphasized by Shadri Syed, who called for improved curriculum standards and modern teaching methods to equip girls with practical skills.

Jameela pointed out the absence of a government school in Essa Nagri and requested the establishment of a public school for underprivileged families.

Infrastructure concerns were raised by Baktawar, who highlighted the deteriorating condition of Spiny Road, including damaged roads and poor drainage systems. Salma linked rising street crime to unemployment and lack of educational opportunities, proposing vocational training and job creation initiatives.

Other participants addressed issues such as technology integration in education, rising utility bills, drug addiction, child malnutrition, family planning awareness, sanitation, and waste management. They also stressed the need for discipline, accountability, and respectful conduct within government departments.

The session concluded with a collective call for coordinated action to improve transportation, healthcare, education, sanitation, and governance in Balochistan.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to empowering women and ensuring equal access to public services through a more responsive and accountable local governance system.