- Premier Shehbaz says it’s collective duty to move together on path of peace, prosperity, and harmony
- Highlights Balochistan’s untapped natural wealth worth trillions of dollars, announces Rs180b annual allocation to rebuild Karachi–Chaman ‘bloody road’
- Recalls 2010 NFC Award spirit, when provinces stood together ‘like brothers,’ urges Balochistan’s active role in Pakistan’s development
- Warns resurgence of terrorism needs answers; vows to strengthen national cohesion
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for fostering unity, affection, and brotherhood among all segments of society, emphasizing that collective sacrifice, hard work, and solidarity were vital to steer the country out of challenges and put it firmly on the path of progress and peace, state media reported.
Addressing participants of the ‘Balochistan Workshop,’ the prime minister said that while Pakistan faced multiple difficulties, it remained “a shared home for all,” where people from every province must move forward together with mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses at National Workshop Balochistan. pic.twitter.com/9TuDY7Mkmb
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2025
“It is our collective onus to bridge differences, heal distances, and march together with affection, unity, and sacrifice,” the premier said, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“کراچی تا چمن روڈ کو خونی روڈ کہا جاتا ہے، بے تحاشا حادثات ہوتے ہیں، پٹرولیم مصنوعات کی قیمتوں میں کمی ہوئی تو اس کا فائدہ براہِ راست عوام کو منتقل کرنے کی بجائے ساڑھے تین سو ارب روپے کے تخمینے سے اس شاہراہ کو دو رویہ بنانے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا، ہم چاہتے ہیں کہ خونی روڈ کو امن کی سڑک… pic.twitter.com/Zr8y3DQ4T5
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2025
PM Shehbaz lauded the rich culture, history, and vast natural resources of Balochistan, saying the province was blessed with “immense wealth worth trillions of dollars,” still lying untapped beneath its rugged mountains. “What happened in the past few years calls for deep introspection,” he added.
The prime minister recalled that during the creation of Pakistan, leaders and sardars of Balochistan had gathered in Quetta and decided to join Pakistan—a historic moment that, he said, symbolized the province’s enduring commitment to the federation.
“پاکستان ہمیشہ سب سے پہلے ہے اس کے بعد ہم بلوچ، سندھی، پنجابی اور پشتون ہیں، آج جائزہ لینا ہو گا کہ جب 2018 میں دہشتگردی کا مکمل خاتمہ کر دیا گیا تھا تو پھر شکایات کیوں اور کیسے پیدا ہوئیں، مسائل کو ان کے حقیقی تناظر میں سمجھنا ہو گا اور سب کو مل کر ملکی ترقی میں اپنا کردار ادا… pic.twitter.com/RYhwhjO56M
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2025
“Balochistan has always taken pride in its traditions and hospitality,” he noted. “The Baloch people are known for their generosity and for embracing those who have settled in the province over generations—including Punjabis and other communities—living in harmony and peace.”
“Balochistan has always taken pride in its values, culture and Baloch people have always been very generous in promoting those segments of society who either migrated to Quetta and other places or were living there from ages. Nature designed Balochistan in a manner where with… pic.twitter.com/3GcBUgvmYe
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2025
Highlighting Balochistan’s unique geography, the prime minister observed that its sparse and scattered population made infrastructure development particularly challenging. “Without proper road networks, mobility becomes a major obstacle,” he remarked.
He cited the example of the Karachi–Chaman highway, which residents grimly refer to as the ‘bloody road’ due to frequent accidents and casualties. “Transforming this deadly route into a safe and modern corridor,” he said, “will cost around Rs350 billion.”
Explaining the government’s plan to fund the project, the premier said that during one of the periods when petrol prices were reduced, his government decided to divert up to Rs180 billion annually toward the road’s construction.
“When I made that decision, my only objective was to promote national harmony, affection, and progress,” he stated. “From Peshawar to Karachi, not a single voice opposed this move — it reflected the spirit of unity that binds Pakistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that Balochistan’s people must become active participants and beneficiaries of Pakistan’s economic trajectory and growth. He said national challenges could only be addressed through inclusive dialogue and resource mobilization, benefiting not just the province but the entire federation.
“These challenges must be confronted collectively,” he said. “Their solutions will uplift both the province and the country as a whole.”
Underscoring the importance of financial cooperation, the prime minister recalled the historic 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award discussions under then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani and President Asif Ali Zardari, in which all provincial chief ministers, including himself, participated.
“In 2010, during the crucial discussions on the new NFC Award chaired by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari, all four Chief Ministers and their Finance Ministers gathered in Lahore for three days of continuous deliberations. It was the province… pic.twitter.com/GXwxT3uSjB
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2025
“Those were three memorable days,” Shehbaz recounted. “At that time, Punjab agreed to the then chief minister of Balochistan’s demands without hesitation—we acted like brothers, and that spirit must continue.”
He said that reducing distances and addressing grievances between the provinces was essential for national cohesion and sustainable development.
“Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of geography. And it’s a province which voluntarily joined Pakistan, Baloch Sardars, leaders, they gathered in Quetta Corporation Hall and voluntarily joined Pakistan. The province has its own history, culture and Allah… pic.twitter.com/68JJzwui5T
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2025
Turning to the security situation, the prime minister said terrorism had been eliminated by 2018 but unfortunately resurfaced in recent years—an issue that required serious answers and renewed resolve.
He reaffirmed that peace, unity, and equitable development were inseparable goals and that the federal government would continue prioritizing Balochistan’s uplift, infrastructure connectivity, and integration into national progress.
“Balochistan’s progress is Pakistan’s progress,” the prime minister concluded, urging all stakeholders to work with sincerity, empathy, and shared purpose to build a stronger and more united nation.
