PICTURE: APP
QUETTA: Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said federal investments was accelerating development in Balochistan, including a Rs70 billion solar energy initiative and Rs150 billion for the construction of the N-25 national highway.
Addressing a grand jirga in Quetta, the prime minister said the funding would be sourced from savings resulting from a decline in international petroleum prices. He emphasized that the federal government was committed to ensuring that Balochistan received its fair share of national resources.
“Balochistan is the largest province by area, and its development is crucial for Pakistan’s progress. These funds are not a favor; they are the rightful share of the people of Balochistan,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz also revealed that the federal government’s upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the year would total Rs 1 trillion, with Rs 250 billion (25%) specifically allocated for Balochistan’s development projects.
He recalled previous efforts to uplift the province, including a 10% education quota for Balochistan students in Punjab’s scholarship and laptop schemes during his tenure as Punjab chief minister. He also highlighted Punjab’s voluntary transfer of part of its NFC Award share to Balochistan, amounting to Rs 160 billion in today’s value.
On the issue of security, the prime minister condemned recent terrorist activities in the province, blaming foreign-backed agents for attempting to destabilize the region. “These terrorists are enemies of peace and progress. The state and armed forces will deal with them with full force,” he asserted.
Touching on regional tensions, the prime minister claimed that India carried out attacks against Pakistan earlier in May, which were successfully repelled by the armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He praised the military’s swift and effective response, calling it a source of pride for the nation.
“This victory has not only boosted national morale but also reassured our allies and sent a strong message to our adversaries,” he added.
The jirga was attended by senior political and military leaders, including Acting Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and top officials from civil and military institutions.
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