Shehbaz Sharif pledges peace, prosperity for Balochistan

News Desk 

Quetta: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism and ensure peace, stability and accelerated development in Balochistan, describing the province as the geographical heart of Pakistan.

Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians and provincial ministers in Quetta, the prime minister stressed that national unity and strong coordination between the federation and provinces were essential to overcoming Balochistan’s security and economic challenges.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, police, Frontier Corps and civilians in the fight against terrorism, strongly condemning Fitna-al-Khawarij and expressing concern over alleged support to terrorist elements by certain neighbouring countries.

Praising military leadership, he lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his professional excellence and decisive command, particularly during the events of May 2025.

“The government and the armed forces will not rest until terrorism is completely uprooted from the country,” the prime minister said.

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Recalling the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, PM Sharif said historic consensus was achieved under the leadership of then president Asif Ali Zardari and prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani.

He noted that Punjab had voluntarily contributed Rs11 billion annually from its share to Balochistan, amounting to Rs175 billion so far, in recognition of the province’s vast area and unique development needs.

He said committees were currently working on a new NFC Award aimed at ensuring equitable resource distribution and strengthening the federation.

The prime minister laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman National Highway into a four-lane carriageway.

He said the Rs300 billion project would be funded through savings generated from fluctuations in international petroleum prices, calling it a gift from the people of Pakistan to Balochistan.

Once known as the “Killer Highway” due to frequent accidents, the project would significantly reduce traffic mishaps and provide safer travel facilities, he added.

PM Sharif also announced the establishment of five Danish schools from Killa Saifullah to Turbat to provide free, world-class education to underprivileged children. He said the initiative would later be expanded across the province to empower youth and help eliminate extremism.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the successful conversion of agricultural tube wells to solar energy, ensuring sustainable power for farmers.

He said that using $400 million from the World Bank secured after the 2022 floods, the government was constructing houses for flood-affected families across the province.

He reiterated that former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif had always prioritized Balochistan’s prosperity and urged all stakeholders to adopt a collective strategy to ensure development reached every part of the province.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, federal ministers, provincial leaders, parliamentarians and senior officials.