PM orders security corridor for Balochistan mineral belt, deploys FC in Rakhshan Division

• Premier Shehbaz chairs Apex Committee meeting to review security strategy under National Action Plan

• Stresses investor confidence for Saindak, Reko Diq mineral projects, saying security corridor to include FC wings, checkpoints, surveillance grid and border posts

• Says secure environment key for unlocking Balochistan’s mineral potential, highlighting focus placed on youth uplift through education, skills

• Rakhshan Division in Balochistan is home to multi-billion-dollar copper-gold projects of Reo Diq, Saindak

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to deploy paramilitary troops as part of the establishment of a dedicated security corridor aimed at safeguarding mineral resources in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division and ensuring the protection of critical mineral assets.

Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan during his day-long visit to Quetta, the prime minister instructed the deployment of the Frontier Corps (FC) in the Rakhshan Division, saying the move would form the backbone of a comprehensive security corridor for mineral protection, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee of National Action Plan in Quetta. pic.twitter.com/twbuEEbaOm

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2026

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, along with senior civil and military officials.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت کوئٹہ میں نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی صوبائی ایپکس کمیٹی کا اجلاس

وزیراعظم کا بلوچستان اور باقی ملک میں انسدادِ دہشت گردی کے اقدامات پرچیف آف آرمی سٹاف و چیف آف ڈیفنس فورسز فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر اور پاک افواج کو خراجِ تحسین۔

اجلاس میں وزیراعظم… pic.twitter.com/tNYxuK6p2x

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2026

The prime minister said Pakistan is endowed with vast natural resources, particularly minerals, adding that ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan is essential to maintain investor confidence—both local and international—in mineral exploration and development projects.

He said the proposed security corridor would include additional FC wings, security check-posts along highways, a surveillance grid, border posts and other integrated security measures to ensure uninterrupted protection of mineral assets.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت کوئٹہ میں نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی صوبائی ایپکس کمیٹی کا اجلاس

وزیراعظم کا کہنا تھا کہ حکومتِ پاکستان بلوچستان کے نوجوانوں کو قومی دھارے میں مؤثر انداز میں شامل کرنے اور انہیں بااختیار بنانے کے لیے مختلف اقدامات کر رہی ہے۔ ان اقدامات میں تعلیمی… pic.twitter.com/RItujthREH

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2026

Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division hosts major copper and gold reserves, including the Saindak and Reko Diq projects, with the federal government seeking to attract international investment in the region’s mining and exploration sector over the years.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta for the day-long visit, during which he met provincial leadership and reviewed the overall security situation.

He appreciated the Balochistan government’s efforts to promote transparency and merit in administrative appointments, according to the PMO.

The prime minister stressed that modern technology and advanced training for police and security forces were essential for the complete elimination of terrorism.

He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to integrate and empower the youth of Balochistan through expanded educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, employment initiatives, sports and youth programmes, scholarships, digital skills development, and greater participation in decision-making processes.

Special emphasis, he said, was being placed on development projects in infrastructure, education, health and communications sectors to ensure better facilities and equal opportunities for the province’s youth.

According to the briefing, all institutions were actively working toward the complete elimination of terrorism, while youth skill development and welfare programmes were being expanded across the province. Officials also noted that no polio case had been reported in Balochistan since November 2024.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ایک روزہ دورہ کوئٹہ

ائیر پورٹ پر وزیراعظم کا گورنر بلوچستان جعفر خان مندوخیل نے استقبال کیا۔

وزیراعظم کوئٹہ میں صوبائی قیادت سے ملاقات کریں گے۔ وزیراعظم نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی صوبائی ایپکس کمیٹی کے اجلاس کی صدارت بھی کریں گے۔ pic.twitter.com/D0iagKr0ro

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2026

The PMO said several healthcare projects, including a cancer institute, dialysis centre, trauma centre and other facilities, had become operational, while additional projects were under implementation. It added that 99 per cent of schools in Balochistan were currently operational, with education activities continuing across the province.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ایک روزہ دورہ کوئٹہ

ایک روزہ دورہ کے دوران وزیراعظم کوئٹہ میں صوبائی قیادت سے ملاقات کریں گے۔ وزیراعظم نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی صوبائی ایپکس کمیٹی کے اجلاس کی صدارت بھی کریں گے۔ pic.twitter.com/LhYnV8WdBx

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2026

More than 15,000 households have benefited from a solar energy initiative in Balochistan, resulting in estimated savings of around Rs105 billion so far, according to the briefing.