QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed readiness to engage in talks with individuals in Balochistan who, he said, had been “misled” into following a path of violence. Speaking at a grand jirga in Quetta, the premier pledged to deliver social and economic justice and resolve grievances through dialogue in a spirit of brotherhood.
The event brought together tribal elders, lawmakers, and senior civil and military officials, including Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and Acting Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. The jirga focused on addressing longstanding issues of insecurity and underdevelopment in the province.
Calling Balochistan the heart of Pakistan, the prime minister described the province as brave and resilient, but trapped in cycles of deadly violence since 2006. He blamed “bloodthirsty terrorists” acting at the behest of foreign elements, particularly India, for the recent surge in attacks. He called for unity to defeat their designs and assured that any shortcomings in the state’s response would be addressed through local input.
Sharif announced that the federal government would allocate Rs70 billion for solar energy projects in Balochistan and Rs150 billion for reconstruction of the hazardous N-25 highway. He said these funds would be redirected from savings due to lower global petroleum prices.
He further revealed that Rs1,000 billion had been earmarked for the Public Sector Development Programme for the fiscal year, with Rs250 billion specifically allocated to Balochistan. He stressed that the full amount would be transparently spent for the province’s benefit, terming it the rightful share of its people.
The premier also recalled that Punjab had previously agreed to give part of its National Finance Commission (NFC) Award share to Balochistan. He said that the funds diverted to the province under this arrangement, signed in Lahore in 2010, now total Rs160 billion in current value.
Sharif credited previous governments, including those led by Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, for initiating major development projects in Balochistan. He specifically mentioned the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package launched during Zardari’s presidency.
Commenting on recent tensions with India, Sharif said the armed forces repelled cross-border aggression between May 6 and 10. He praised the military’s response, calling it a decisive victory that had left the enemy “scared” and strengthened confidence among Pakistan’s allies.
The prime minister commended Army Chief Syed Asim Munir for leading the response to the conflict and said the recent military success symbolically avenged the events of 1971. He thanked the nation for standing by the armed forces and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to national unity and equitable development.
