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Entrepreneurship Development in Balochistan: A Policy Instrument for Enhancing Youth Engagement, Peacebuilding, and Socioeconomic Inclusion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Entrepreneurship has increasingly been recognized as a strategic policy tool for addressing youth disengagement, unemployment, and socio-political instability in underdeveloped regions. In Balochistan, where limited economic opportunities, governance challenges, and social exclusion persist, youth remain particularly vulnerable to marginalization and disengagement from constructive economic and civic processes. The core problem lies in the absence of structured entrepreneurship ecosystems, limited access to finance, weak institutional support, and inadequate policy coordination, which collectively hinder youth participation in productive economic activities. This study aims to examine the role of entrepreneurship development as a policy instrument for promoting youth engagement, fostering peacebuilding, and enhancing socioeconomic inclusion in Balochistan. It seeks to evaluate existing government initiatives, identify structural and institutional barriers, and explore the potential of entrepreneurship in creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing socio-economic grievances among youth. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative policy analysis with quantitative survey data collected from youth entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders. Secondary data from government reports and development agencies is also utilized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape. The findings suggest that entrepreneurship development can significantly contribute to youth empowerment, income generation, and social stability. However, challenges such as limited access to capital, lack of entrepreneurial education, infrastructural deficits, and policy implementation gaps constrain its effectiveness. The study concludes that targeted, inclusive, and context-specific entrepreneurship policies are essential for strengthening youth participation, promoting peacebuilding, and ensuring sustainable socioeconomic development in Balochistan.

Source: Pakistan Journal of Social Science Review

Authors: Dr. Anjum Parvez, Kamran Naeem, Naveeda Iram Warsi

Institutions: Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University, Mir Chakar Khan Rind University, University of Balochistan

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7219983044

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