Students and faculty members of Balochistan Residential College (BRC) Othal visited
the office of Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at the Pakistan Secretariat,
Islamabad, where they held an interactive meeting with the Minister as part of their All Pakistan
study tour.
During the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan announced that laptops would be provided to all
2nd year students of the final batch, enabling them to strengthen their digital skills and prepare
for future academic and professional challenges. He emphasized that access to technology is
essential for youth to compete in the modern world driven by innovation and artificial
intelligence.
The Minister recalled that BRC Othal was established as a gift to the people of Lasbela
by his late father, former Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Mir Muhammad Yousaf, reflecting
the Jam family’s long-standing commitment to education and knowledge. He described the
institution as a symbol of empowerment for the youth of Balochistan.
Addressing the students, Jam Kamal Khan spoke about the rapidly evolving global
technological landscape, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence. He noted that technologies
available today through mobile phones can perform tasks that once required multiple offices and
professionals, and that within months, these capabilities will grow exponentially.
He cautioned that many traditional jobs may disappear in the coming years and advised
students to pursue future-oriented fields. He highlighted agriculture and livestock, engineering,
computer science, data centers, battery technology, the power sector, and mining as key areas
of opportunity.
Referring to Balochistan’s mineral wealth, the Minister said the province is rich in copper,
gold, chromite, manganese, iron, and antimony—critical resources for semiconductors,
advanced electronics, and modern industries. He added that proper exploration and utilization of
these resources could significantly transform the region’s economy.
He also stressed the importance of uninterrupted education, reminding students that lost
academic opportunities are difficult to recover. Emerging disciplines such as biomedical
sciences, neuroscience, and research were cited as promising pathways beyond traditional
career options.
Highlighting the need for modern facilities, he underscored the importance of fiber optic
connectivity, high-tech laboratories, and innovation-driven universities. He encouraged students
to aim for institutions such as the National University of Sciences and Technology, which
integrate industry, research, and advanced technology.
The meeting concluded with students thanking the Minister for his time, guidance, and
the laptop initiative, describing it as a meaningful step toward equipping them for the digital
future.
