PM Shehbaz calls for grand dialogue to address Balochistan's issues

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a grand dialogue to tackle the challenges confronting Balochistan, stressing that legitimate concerns must be addressed through peaceful and democratic means.

Speaking to participants of the Balochistan National Workshop in Islamabad, the prime minister held discussions with prominent figures and political representatives from the province.

He said all genuine grievances should be openly discussed and resolved through consultation rather than confrontation.

PM Shehbaz said individuals prepared to give up violence and return to a peaceful path should be given an opportunity to reintegrate into society.

He maintained that the government was willing to hear legitimate concerns and work toward their resolution.

The prime minister also underscored the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, noting that meaningful progress in Balochistan was vital to the economic and overall development of Pakistan.

“The federal government had provided Rs40 billion toward a Rs70 billion initiative aimed at shifting agricultural tube wells in Balochistan to solar energy,” he said, adding that under the project, more than 20,000 tube wells across the province have already been converted to solar power.

Referring to discussions held during the 2010 National Finance Commission process, PM Shehbaz said all four provinces had reached an understanding to increase financial support for Balochistan.

He added that Punjab had been contributing Rs11 billion every year as part of that commitment, describing the arrangement as a reflection of inter-provincial unity, brotherhood and solidarity.

PM Shehbaz reiterated that Balochistan should have a stronger presence in development and welfare programmes.

He said the province had been allocated a share in various initiatives that was higher than its proportion based solely on population.

The prime minister also drew attention to Balochistan’s considerable reserves of minerals and other natural resources.

He stressed that these assets should be developed through coordinated efforts by the federal and provincial governments.

PM Shehbaz asserted that the people of Balochistan should remain the foremost beneficiaries of the province’s natural wealth, while the people of Pakistan as a whole should benefit thereafter.

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by Balochistan, the premier pointed out that the province’s enormous geographical spread makes the delivery of essential services particularly challenging.

He said providing education, healthcare, roads and other basic facilities across such a vast area requires greater resources and coordinated efforts.

PM Shehbaz maintained that these challenges could be overcome through dialogue, mutual understanding and an equitable use of available resources, ensuring that development benefits reach people across all provinces.

In response to a question, the prime minister said several Daanish Schools were currently being completed at different locations in Balochistan to provide quality education to deserving children in the province.