PM Shehbaz Reaches Out to ‘Misled’ Baloch, Pledges Rs250 Billion for Provincial Uplift
QUETTA:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a conciliatory gesture toward those “misled and led astray” in Balochistan, emphasizing dialogue, development, and unity as the pillars for peace. Speaking at a grand jirga in Quetta, attended by tribal elders, lawmakers, and top civil and military leadership, the premier reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the province’s long-standing grievances “in the spirit of brotherhood.”
Highlighting Balochistan’s economic marginalization and security concerns, the PM promised “social and economic justice” while denouncing foreign-backed terrorist elements trying to destabilize the region. He underscored the need to counteract “bloodthirsty terrorists” acting at the behest of hostile foreign actors, particularly India, and called for collective resolve to thwart their agenda.
Terming Balochistan the “heart of Pakistan,” Shehbaz Sharif revealed a series of development initiatives. These include:
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Rs250 billion allocated from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) — 25% of the total Rs1,000 billion PSDP budget
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Rs70 billion for solar power projects in the province
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Rs150 billion for reconstruction of the hazardous N-25 highway, known as the “bloody highway”
The prime minister assured that funds would be disbursed transparently, describing them as “the rightful share of the Baloch people.” He also acknowledged Punjab’s historic decision to allocate Rs160 billion from its share of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to Balochistan, emphasizing inter-provincial harmony and cooperation.
Recalling development milestones from past administrations, Shehbaz praised initiatives like the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package under former President Asif Ali Zardari and various infrastructure projects initiated during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure.
In a separate but significant development, the PM disclosed that Pakistan had successfully repelled recent Indian attacks on May 6-7 and May 10. He lauded the military leadership, especially Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, for securing a swift and decisive victory, claiming it had bolstered national unity and restored regional confidence in Pakistan’s defense capabilities.
“This triumph is a reminder of Pakistan’s strength and unity — and a signal to the world that we stand resolute,” he added.
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PRESS UPDATE