ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that terrorism, eradicated in 2018, is resurging in Balochistan and other areas, necessitating an investigation into its causes.
Addressing participants of the National Workshop Balochistan (NWB), he noted that Baloch leaders voluntarily joined Pakistan, and the province’s rich history, culture, and traditions make it unique. He lamented that, despite its immense natural wealth, much of Balochistan’s resources remain untapped. “The decades-long neglect of Balochistan calls for self-accountability,” he remarked, praising the broad-mindedness and hospitality of its people and the harmony among diverse communities in the province.
The prime minister highlighted that geographical challenges have hindered progress, particularly in providing roads, electricity and education to remote populations. He stressed that Balochistan’s development is integral to Pakistan’s overall prosperity, adding that progress in industrial and educational sectors is impossible without a robust road network. Referring to the 2010 NFC Award, he noted that Punjab made a historic sacrifice, reflecting that consensus among provinces is the foundation of a strong federation. “The spirit of the federation lies in mutual sacrifice and brotherhood. We are Pakistanis first and then provincial inhabitants,” he said.
Addressing the security challenges, the prime minister commended the sacrifices of security forces for peace and emphasized that the people of Balochistan must be equal partners in national development.
He highlighted the daily loss of lives on the Karachi-Chaman Highway, announcing that the government has decided to dualise the highway at a cost of Rs350 billion to transform it from a “road of blood into a road of peace”. Shehbaz Sharif stated that peace, unity, and brotherhood among provinces are guarantors of national development, expressing confidence that Pakistan will emerge as a great nation.
He recalled that during Pakistan’s creation, Balochistan’s leaders and sardars gathered in Quetta and chose to join Pakistan. He added that Balochistan takes pride in its values and culture, and its people have always been generous, fostering harmony among communities, including Punjabi migrants and other tribes, who have lived in the province peacefully for generations.
The prime minister stressed that historical challenges require the people of Balochistan to be active participants and beneficiaries in the national economic trajectory.
These challenges must be discussed and addressed to benefit both the people of Pakistan and those in the province, he opined.
He underlined the need for financial resources to tackle these challenges. Ministers, parliamentarians, academics, students, experts and officials attended the workshop.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in honour of the cricket teams of South Africa and Pakistan. He engaged with players from both teams, welcoming the South African cricket team to Pakistan and stating, “We have excellent relations with South Africa at various levels, and cricket is one of them.”
He expressed full confidence in the abilities of Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi. “Cricket is not just a game; it also connects people of different countries,” he said, adding, “The game of cricket promotes brotherhood and peace. The true spirit of this game must be maintained.”
