Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail, News Desk:
QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a significant tribal gathering in Quetta, reaffirmed the federal government’s strong commitment to the development, security, and prosperity of Balochistan. Calling it the “heart of Pakistan” and a land of “courageous and resilient people,” the Prime Minister said that Balochistan holds a vital place in the nation’s future and deserves focused investment and inclusive governance.
Speaking at the Balochistan Grand Tribal Jirga, attended by top tribal elders, civil and military leaders, and lawmakers, the Prime Minister said that during the Indian aggression in early May, Pakistan’s armed forces—under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir—responded decisively and protected national sovereignty with unmatched courage and coordination. He praised the people of Balochistan and other provinces for standing united with the military and called the response a historic moment of national pride.
He recalled Pakistan’s landmark decision to conduct six nuclear tests in response to India’s five in 1998, describing it as a bold assertion of national strength, made possible by the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Highlighting the deep-rooted patriotism of Balochistan, Sharif reminded participants that it was the tribal leaders of the region who first pledged loyalty to Quaid-e-Azam and joined the Federation of Pakistan. He urged that if there are any longstanding concerns or misunderstandings, they should be resolved through mutual respect and dialogue. “Let’s sit together as brothers and address all grievances with sincerity,” he said.
Condemning terrorism and foreign-sponsored sabotage efforts, the Prime Minister labelled militants as enemies of peace and progress. He assured that Pakistan would not allow hostile forces to derail the country’s development. He invited tribal elders and stakeholders to identify weaknesses in governance or security frameworks so they could be corrected with collective input.
In terms of financial support, the Prime Minister announced that in the upcoming fiscal year’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Balochistan will receive Rs250 billion out of a Rs1 trillion national development budget. He emphasized the importance of transparency and efficient fund utilization to ensure real impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
He also mentioned that a recent drop in global oil prices allowed the government to reduce petrol and diesel prices by Rs10 per litre. This Rs1.5 billion saving, he said, has been allocated to upgrade the dangerous N-25 highway—infamously known as the “bloody highway”—to improve road safety and connectivity.
Recognizing the vastness of Balochistan and the scale of infrastructure needs, he acknowledged that even massive investments would not be enough to fully overcome the geographical challenges. Nonetheless, he reiterated the federal government’s resolve to prioritize Balochistan’s development, boost investment, and strengthen its integration into national progress.
This high-level Jirga, attended by federal and provincial ministers, lawmakers, and military officials, was seen as a major step toward collaborative policymaking for lasting peace and prosperity in the province.
