Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the Balochistan Grand Jirga in Quetta, announced that Rs. 250 billion will be allocated for Balochistan under the federal government's Rs. 1 trillion development program for the upcoming fiscal year. Emphasizing transparency, he stated that these funds must be utilized efficiently and with integrity.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Jirga, the Prime Minister acknowledged Balochistan’s historical contribution to Pakistan, recalling how its leaders embraced the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and chose to become part of Pakistan.
"Balochistan is a beautiful province with brave people," Sharif said, adding that if grievances exist, they must be addressed like brothers, through dialogue and mutual understanding.
He strongly condemned terrorism, labeling militants as enemies of peace and agents of foreign powers. "These terrorists are thirsty for blood and do not want Pakistan to prosper. We must collectively defeat their tactics. If there are shortcomings, we will address them based on your guidance,” he told the gathering.
Highlighting past support for Balochistan, the Prime Minister recalled that during the 2010 NFC Award negotiations, Punjab voluntarily contributed Rs. 11 billion from its share to Balochistan’s allocation, helping finalize the agreement. “There was a demand to double Balochistan’s share in the NFC. Punjab stepped up and ensured that happened,” he noted.
Referring to development under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz stated that significant progress was made in Balochistan during his tenure. He reiterated the federal government's commitment to equitable development, announcing that 25% of the total development budget in the coming fiscal year is earmarked for Balochistan.
He also mentioned that savings of Rs. 1.5 billion, made possible by a recent global decline in oil prices, were redirected toward the upgradation of the deadly N-25 Highway, famously known as the "Bloody Highway."
Recognizing Balochistan’s vast geography, the Prime Minister said the province requires extensive investment, and even billions cannot fully bridge the region's physical distances. However, he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing the area.
Addressing the issue of insurgency and unrest, Shehbaz Sharif stated, “You may have grievances, but terrorism cannot be tolerated—neither by you, nor by me, the armed forces, or any institution. Those who have gone astray must be brought back through collective effort.”
Concluding his speech, he pledged that his government will not allow any economic or social injustice toward Balochistan. “Peace and development must go hand in hand; one cannot exist without the other,” he affirmed.
