PM Shehbaz vows to eradicate terrorism, ensure fast-track Balochistan's development

Quetta (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated his government’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace and development in Balochistan, describing the province as the geographical heart of Pakistan.

Speaking to political leaders, parliamentarians, and provincial ministers in Quetta on Thursday, he stressed that overcoming the region’s security and economic challenges requires strong federal-provincial cooperation and a unified national approach.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Police, Frontier Corps, and ordinary citizens in combating terrorism, condemning Fitna-al-Khawarij and criticizing the backing provided to terrorists by certain neighboring nations.

Highlighting the professionalism of the military, he commended Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his decisive leadership during the May 2025 events and affirmed that the government and armed forces would not rest until terrorism was fully eradicated.

Reflecting on the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, PM Sharif recalled the consensus reached under the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari and Yousaf Raza Gilani.

He noted that Punjab had voluntarily contributed Rs 11 billion each year from its share to Balochistan, totaling Rs175 billion to date, recognizing the province’s unique challenges.

The prime minister added that committees are now preparing a new NFC Award to ensure fair distribution of resources and to strengthen the federation.

PM Shehbaz laid the foundation for the expansion of the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman National Highway into a modern four-lane roadway, a Rs 300 billion project financed through savings from fluctuations in international petroleum prices.

Previously infamous as the “Killer Highway” due to frequent accidents, the upgraded route is expected to provide safer travel and improved connectivity for the people of Balochistan.

Highlighting education initiatives, he announced the opening of five Danish schools from Killa Saifullah to Turbat, offering free, high-quality education to underprivileged children. The program will gradually expand throughout the province, aiming to prepare the younger generation to contribute to development and the fight against terrorism.

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

He also mentioned the ongoing construction of houses for families affected by the 2022 floods, funded with $400 million from the World Bank, with inaugurations planned in the near future.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif had always prioritized Balochistan’s welfare and urged all stakeholders to work together so that the benefits of development reach every part of the province.

The Quetta gathering was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Dr. Malik Baloch, Maulana Abdul Wasey, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Abdul Aleem Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Leader of the Opposition in the Balochistan Assembly Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, provincial ministers, and representatives of all political parties.

In a separate ceremony, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to accelerate Balochistan’s development, saying national resources must be deployed decisively to bring the province on par with the rest of Pakistan.

He described Balochistan as a historic province that voluntarily joined the country, reflecting the hopes of its leadership and people.

“Balochistan may be the largest province by land and the smallest by population, but every citizen has the right to education, healthcare, and electricity,” the premier said, stressing that a strong federation depends on the balanced development of all provinces.

He also laid the foundation for the N-25 Pakistan Expressway, describing it as a tangible sign of the government’s commitment to the people of Balochistan.

PM Shehbaz directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to complete the project within a year, acknowledging the challenges while expressing confidence in timely delivery.

Noting the high number of fatalities on the current route, he said that the expressway would greatly improve safety and connectivity for travelers.