QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his willingness to engage in talks with “those who have been misled or led astray” in Balochistan, promising to bring “social and economic justice” to the province, which has been plagued by violent conflict since 2006.
“We must work to reclaim those who have been misled by terrorists onto the wrong path. Any grievances should be resolved through dialogue and in the spirit of brotherhood,” he said, referring to long-standing issues in the impoverished province that have been exploited by Baloch terrorist groups to justify violence.
The prime minister made these remarks while addressing a grand jirga held in Quetta on Saturday, which convened tribal elders, lawmakers, and key stakeholders to discuss security and development challenges.
Present at the jirga were Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, Acting Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and senior military and civil officials.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Shehbaz Sharif described Balochistan as “a beautiful province with brave people — the heart of Pakistan.”
He noted that terrorist attacks have increased recently, blaming foreign interference, specifically India, for fueling the violence. “These bloodthirsty terrorists, who oppose Pakistan’s progress and prosperity, are carrying out heinous acts at the behest of foreign actors,” the prime minister stated.
“They must be stopped, and we must collectively defeat their malicious plans. If there are gaps in our response, they should be addressed with your guidance,” he told the jirga participants.
He reaffirmed that all provinces are like brothers and will share the country’s resources equitably. The federal government is allocating Rs70 billion for a solar power project in Balochistan.
Additionally, Rs150 billion will be invested in upgrading the N-25 highway, notoriously known as the “bloody highway” due to its dangerous condition. These funds will come from savings generated by the recent decline in international petroleum prices.
The prime minister also announced a Rs1 trillion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget for the year, with Rs250 billion — 25% — earmarked for Balochistan. He pledged that every rupee of the province’s share, which he called the “right of the people of Balochistan,” would be spent transparently for its development and prosperity.
Recalling past commitments, Shehbaz Sharif noted that Punjab had agreed to transfer part of its share from the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to Balochistan, recognizing the province’s development needs as the largest by area.
“To date, funds redirected to Balochistan amount to Rs160 billion,” he explained.
He referenced the 2010 NFC award, signed after three days of negotiations among national leaders including former Presidents and Prime Ministers.
The prime minister highlighted that during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, many development projects were launched in Balochistan, and that President Zardari had introduced the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package.
Touching on recent hostilities with India, Shehbaz Sharif recalled that on the nights of May 6-7 and May 10, India launched attacks on Pakistan. “By the grace of Allah, our armed forces bravely repelled the enemy, delivering a defeat they will never forget.”
He thanked Pakistanis for their unity and support for the military during the conflict.
“As prime minister, I witnessed all events of this brief war,” he said, praising Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for leading the armed forces to victory and making the nation proud.
He described the victory as a form of justice for the events of 1971. “Now the enemy is fearful, and Pakistan’s allied countries are more confident following our military’s success against India,” he asserted.
