Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced the launch of several development projects worth billions of rupees in the education and infrastructure sectors in Balochistan.
Addressing the political leadership of Balochistan in Quetta, PM Shehbaz said that five Daanish Schools will be established in the province to provide quality education to deserving children.
The premier said that Chaman-Karachi highway, costing Rs300 billion, would be constructed to facilitate the people of Balochistan.
PM Sharif said funds are being provided to all provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.
He reiterated to move forward on the path of development and prosperity of the country with collective efforts and mutual consultation, Radio Pakistan reported.
The premier highlighted that on the demand of the then Chief Minister of Balochistan, Punjab took the lead to annually divert financial resources from its own share of NFC to Balochistan.
"So far, Rs175 billion have been provided by the Punjab government during the last 16 years, the premier added.
He added that $400 million received from the World Bank are also being spent for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas of Balochistan.
Talking about counter-terrorism efforts in Balochistan, PM Shehbaz lauded the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and Balochistan police for their sacrifices in the fight against this menace.
He said "Fitna al-Khawarij" gets support from foreign countries. The PM reaffirmed nation's unflinching resolve in fighting terrorism till its complete elimination.
He said the nation will certainly knock down the scourge of terrorism as it successfully defeated India during "Marka-e-Haq" under the able leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Last year, Pakistan and Indian engaged in a military showdown, the worst between the old foes in decades. During the clashes, Pakistan downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones.
After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10, 2025, with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.
The prime minister also congratulated Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti on his election as chief of the Bugti Tribes.
Appreciating Bugti and his cabinet, he said after a long time, there is a government in Balochistan, which is making serious and sincere efforts for the development of the province.
Separately, addressing a ceremony to inaugurate and launch key development projects, the prime minister said the initiatives had a direct and lasting link with Balochistan’s progress.
He reiterated the federal government’s firm resolve to ensure accelerated development of Balochistan, saying that Pakistan must pool its national resources without hesitation to bring the province at par with other parts of the country.
He described Balochistan as a historic province that voluntarily acceded to Pakistan, reflecting the aspirations of its political leadership and people.
“Balochistan is the largest province by land and the smallest by population, yet education, health and electricity are the basic rights of every Baloch,” the premier added.
He said that a strong federation could only be built by ensuring balanced development of all federating units.
The prime minister laid the foundation stone of the N-25 Pakistan Expressway, calling it a practical manifestation of the government’s commitment to the people of Balochistan.
He directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to complete the project within one year, acknowledging the challenge but expressing confidence in timely delivery.
PM said terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was being fuelled by a neighbouring country through financial and material support.
He announced the launch of five Daanish Schools in Dera Bugti, Sibi, Zhob, Killa Saifullah and Sohbatpur, and further announced two additional Daanish Schools in Chagai and Washuk to address the urgent needs of southern Balochistan.
He said Daanish Schools were producing doctors, engineers and globally competitive students from underprivileged backgrounds.
He also referred to the Kachhi Canal project, describing it as vital for agricultural development in Balochistan.
He said the project required Rs40 billion immediately and that a final decision would be taken within the next four weeks after consultations in Islamabad.
The prime minister highlighted youth empowerment initiatives, including the laptop scheme under which 100,000 laptops were distributed on merit, with Balochistan receiving a higher share in proportion to its population.
He also spoke about post-2022 flood rehabilitation, stating that significant financial assistance had been mobilised for Balochistan, including housing reconstruction and cash support to affected families.
