Shehbaz pledges peace, progress in Balochistan

Political harmony marks premier's Quetta visit; PM links counterterrorism to lasting stability

QUETTA:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the federal government's resolve to secure lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan, linking effective counterterrorism, inclusive development and strong federal-provincial cooperation as essential pillars for strengthening Pakistan's national cohesion and long-term security.

Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians and officials in Quetta, the prime minister said the fight against terrorism remained a collective national responsibility, acknowledging persistent threats from outlawed groups exploiting regional instability, while stressing that the state's determination to defeat such elements remained firm.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, police, Frontier Corps (FC) and civilians, condemning Fitna-al-Khawarij and lamenting support extended to militants by certain neighbouring countries, while praising the professionalism and leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Shehbaz said intelligence-led operations and close coordination between civilian authorities and security institutions had disrupted terrorist activity and improved public safety, recalling Pakistan's responsible response to last year's regional tensions to safeguard sovereignty without undermining broader regional stability.

The prime minister highlighted development initiatives, laying the foundation stone for a Rs300 billion expansion of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman highway into a four-lane carriageway, funded through savings from fluctuating global petroleum prices, to improve safety on the once-notorious 'Killer Highway'.

He also announced five Danish schools from Killa Saifullah to Turbat for underprivileged children, praised solarisation of agricultural tube wells, and said $400 million in World Bank funds were financing housing for flood-affected families across the province.

Recalling the 2010 NFC Award, Shehbaz noted Punjab's voluntary contribution of Rs175 billion to Balochistan, said work on a new award was under way, and reaffirmed federal support for governance reforms outlined by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, concluding with a renewed pledge for inclusive development and sustainable peace.

Earlier, the prime minister was briefed by Chief Secretary Khan on governance reforms, development planning, and service delivery in the province. The briefing covered progress in key sectors such as education, healthcare, administration, and the handling of public grievances, achieved despite financial and logistical constraints.

Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the provincial government under Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti for its focus on development, political coordination, and public welfare. He reaffirmed that the federal government would continue to work closely with the province, ensuring support for development projects, institutional reforms, and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Balochistan.

Meanwhile, in a rare and positive example of political harmony unfolding in Balochistan during the prime minister's visit, the opposition stood together with the provincial government on matters of national interest and key decisions.

Political observers noted the spirit of cooperation visibly demonstrated by Opposition Leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri and former chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, when they warmly greeted Shehbaz at a reception at the Chief Minister House.

During the prime minister's meeting with opposition leaders, Zehri openly praised Chief Minister Bugti's role, stating that Balochistan's strong political traditions are rooted in inclusivity and respect. He noted that despite political disagreements, Bugti has taken the opposition on board on important matters.

The gesture was widely viewed as a reflection of democratic maturity, political pragmatism and a shared commitment to prioritising national interest over partisan considerations, the political observers said, adding that this tradition of consensus offers a valuable model for other provinces.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)