PM reaffirms full federal backing for Balochistan's development, vows equal progress for all provinces

-- PM announces Rs300bn Karachi-Chaman dual carriageway, vows timely completion

-- Balochistan's development essential for Pakistan's progress, says Shehbaz

-- India blamed for fuelling terrorism; Kabul urged to prevent militant sanctuaries

-- Federal government expands scholarships, laptops and fast-tracks Kachhi Canal project

-- Transparency, good governance and national unity key to Pakistan's future, PM tells workshop participants

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the federal government's unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of Balochistan, stressing that Pakistan could only move forward if all provinces progressed together on an equal footing.

Addressing participants of the National Workshop Balochistan in Islamabad, the prime minister announced that the Rs300 billion Karachi-Chaman dual carriageway project would be completed within the next one-and-a-half to two years, describing it as a transformative initiative for the province's connectivity and economic growth.

He said Punjab had contributed Rs150 billion to Balochistan under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, while other provinces had also supported the province's development. He added that Balochistan's quota for laptops and scholarships had been increased by 10 percent, while the Kachhi Canal project would be completed on a priority basis.

Emphasising good governance, the prime minister said Pakistan's challenges could only be overcome through transparency, accountability and efficient institutions.

Referring to the security situation, Shehbaz Sharif accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and said the country must confront the threat with unity and determination. He added that Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistan's interim authorities to prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan but had yet to receive the desired response.

Highlighting Balochistan's historical significance, the prime minister said the province's Baloch and Pashtun people had played a vital role in the creation of Pakistan, with several princely states voluntarily joining the federation in 1947 and 1948. Although Balochistan was the country's least populated province, he said, its vast geographical expanse and dispersed settlements required substantially greater resources for development.

He recalled that under the 2010 NFC Award, the other provinces, particularly Punjab, had voluntarily agreed to double Balochistan's financial share. Punjab alone, he noted, had contributed Rs11 billion annually, amounting to Rs150 billion so far.

The prime minister said nearly 27,000 tube wells in Balochistan were being converted to solar power under a Rs75 billion project, with the federal government contributing Rs50 billion. He added that the N-25 highway, long associated with fatal accidents, was being upgraded into a dual carriageway through savings generated by lower international oil prices.

Expressing sorrow over the killing of Mastung Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem, Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism, noting that around 90,000 Pakistanis had laid down their lives. He said terrorism, which had largely been defeated by 2017-18, had resurfaced due to an organised conspiracy, while Pakistan continued to press Afghanistan to act against militant groups operating from its territory.

He praised the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices and said Pakistan had also demonstrated diplomatic success by helping restore regional peace, earning international recognition.

During an interactive session, the prime minister said corruption within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) continued to deprive the national exchequer of vital resources, forcing the country to rely on external borrowing. He noted that a record Rs800 billion had been collected through sales tax and other indirect taxes last year, adding that only hard work, honesty and integrity—not shortcuts—could ensure national progress.

Responding to a question on the Kachhi Canal, he said Rs368 billion had been allocated in the current budget for water reservoir projects, including the canal, and suggested renaming it the "Pakistan Canal."

Addressing a question from a student from Chaghi district, the prime minister reiterated his commitment to empowering youth through education. He said merit-based laptop distribution was a far better investment than placing weapons in the hands of young people, adding that Balochistan had received a higher quota than other provinces. He also announced that nine Danish Schools were being established in the province to provide free education to poor and orphaned children.

The prime minister concluded by assuring participants that the federal government would continue providing resources for Balochistan's development in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic sectors, pledging to ensure the province received the same level of attention and opportunities as Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed confidence that with unity, good governance and sustained development, Pakistan could emerge as one of the world's strongest nations.