PM Sharif Commits to Peace, Education, and Development Across Balochistan

QUETTA,  (Special Correspondent): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring peace, prosperity, and accelerated development in Balochistan, calling the province the “geographical heart” of Pakistan. Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians, and provincial ministers in Quetta, he stressed that national unity and strong federal-provincial cooperation were key to overcoming the province’s economic and security challenges.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, police, Frontier Corps, and civilians, the Prime Minister condemned the Fitna-al-Khawarij and expressed concern over the support extended to terrorism by certain neighboring countries. He lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his decisive leadership during the May 2025 security events, affirming that the government and military would leave no stone unturned until terrorism was completely eradicated.

On the development front, PM Sharif laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman National Highway into a modern four-lane expressway. The Rs 300 billion project, funded through savings from fluctuating international petroleum prices, aims to reduce accidents on the once “Killer Highway” and provide safer, more efficient travel. The N-25 Pakistan Expressway, which the Prime Minister directed to be completed within a year, is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity.

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Highlighting education as the backbone of development, PM Sharif announced the establishment of seven Daanish Schools, including five in Dera Bugti, Sibi, Zhob, Killa Saifullah, and Sohbatpur, with two additional schools in Chagai and Washuk to serve southern Balochistan. He emphasized that these schools would produce globally competitive students from underprivileged backgrounds, preparing doctors, engineers, and other professionals for the future.

The Prime Minister also spotlighted youth empowerment programs, such as the laptop distribution scheme, where 100,000 laptops were provided on merit, with Balochistan receiving a higher share relative to its population. He highlighted the Kachhi Canal project, vital for agricultural growth, and praised the conversion of agricultural tube wells to solar power, promoting sustainable energy for farmers.

PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had always prioritized Balochistan’s development and called for all stakeholders to adopt a joint strategy to ensure that the benefits of these projects reach every corner of the province. He also noted post-2022 flood rehabilitation efforts, including housing reconstruction and financial assistance to affected families, facilitated by $400 million from the World Bank.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, and senior federal and provincial officials welcomed the initiatives, assuring full cooperation for timely project completion. Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted that 40 percent of the National Highway Authority’s network lies in Balochistan, emphasizing the province’s role as the “heart of the country” in terms of connectivity.

Through these initiatives, the federal government aims to simultaneously promote development, ensure education, empower youth, and maintain long-term peace and stability in Balochistan.