Mir Salam Jogezai, News Desk: Punjab’s announcement of Rs10 billion assistance for security forces emerged as the central outcome of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s official visit to Quetta on Monday, underscoring a strong message of national unity and collective resolve against security challenges.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive and commendable gesture. He said the move reflected inter-provincial solidarity and added that in Balochistan both the government and opposition were united in their commitment to public welfare, peace, and long-term stability.
Maryam Nawaz’s First Official Visit to Balochistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on her first official visit to Balochistan since assuming office. She was received at the Chief Minister Secretariat by CM Sarfraz Bugti, members of the provincial cabinet, and elected representatives.
She later called on Governor of Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhail at the Governor House, where discussions focused on the prevailing law and order situation, political developments in the province, and the need to strengthen inter-provincial coordination and harmony.
Commitment to Peace, Stability, and National Unity
Addressing the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said she was pleased that her first official visit as Punjab’s chief minister was to Balochistan. She praised the resilience, patriotism, and strong national spirit of the people of the province and assured that Punjab would extend every possible cooperation.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Balochistan. Terrorism can only be defeated through national unity,” she said, emphasizing that peace, stability, and prosperity in Balochistan were vital for the country’s overall progress.
Call for Stronger Inter-Provincial Harmony
Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhail highlighted the importance of strong relations between the federation and the provinces and stressed the need for practical steps to further promote inter-provincial harmony. He thanked the Punjab chief minister for visiting Quetta, while Maryam Nawaz assured continued engagement and close coordination in the future.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between the provinces and promote people-to-people contacts to further strengthen national cohesion. At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Mandokhail presented a commemorative shield and a traditional Balochi carpet to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as a gesture of goodwill.
