​Syed Ali Shah, Ali Hamza, News Desk:Â
​QUETTA: In a high-level move to safeguard economic assets and restore investor confidence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the immediate deployment of the Frontier Corps (FC) to Balochistan’s Rakhshan division, establishing a dedicated “security corridor” to protect the province’s vast mineral wealth.
​The decision was finalized during a meeting of the National Action Plan’s (NAP) Provincial Apex Committee in Quetta. The session was attended by high-ranking civil and military leadership, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
​The newly approved security corridor will feature additional FC wings, highway security checkpoints, an advanced surveillance grid, and reinforced border posts.
​”Pakistan is blessed with immense natural resources, particularly minerals,” Prime Minister Sharif stated during the meeting. “Providing a secure environment in Balochistan is absolutely vital to maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on these mega projects.”
​The Prime Minister lauded the Pakistan Army and the Chief of Defence Forces for their relentless counter-terrorism efforts across the country. He also commended Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti for his governance initiatives, particularly for enforcing strict meritocracy and transparency in district administration appointments.
​Addressing long-term stability, PM Sharif emphasized that modern technology and superior training for the police and law enforcement agencies remain critical to permanently eradicating terrorism.
​A Focus on Youth and Infrastructure
​Beyond security, the Apex Committee focused heavily on socio-economic development. The Prime Minister detailed a comprehensive federal strategy aimed at integrating Balochistan’s youth into the national mainstream.
​The federal government’s initiatives include expanding higher education opportunities, vocational and technical training, digital skills programs, scholarships, and sports initiatives.
​”We are committed to providing our youth with a seat at the decision-making table and ensuring they have equal growth opportunities through aggressive development in infrastructure, health, education, and connectivity,” Sharif said.
​Key Progress Indicators Shared in Briefing
​The committee was briefed on several landmark achievements and ongoing developments in the province:
​Zero Polio Cases: No new polio cases have been reported in Balochistan since November 2024.
​Healthcare Boom: Major health facilities, including a Cancer Institute, Dialysis Center, and Trauma Center, are now fully operational, with more projects underway.
​Education Revival: Currently, 99% of schools in Balochistan are active and functional.
​Solar Energy Savings:
A massive solar energy initiative has powered over 15,000 homes, resulting in reported savings of approximately PKR 105 billion.
​Economic Modernization: Progress is underway on digitization and transitioning toward a cashless economy.
​The apex huddle was also attended by federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Advisor to the PM Rana Sanaullah, and senior civil and military officials.
