Balochistan: PM announces major uplift initiatives

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a series of major development initiatives for Balochistan while warning of continuing security threats, accusing India of supporting militant groups in Pakistan and urging Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against the country.

Addressing a Balochistan National Workshop, the prime minister said terrorism remained a major challenge that required a united national response.

He maintained that India was providing support and resources to militant organisations operating in Pakistan, saying its involvement in such activities was “absolutely clear”.

READ MORE: PM vows to fast-track Balochistan’s development

He said Islamabad had repeatedly urged Afghanistan to take action against terrorist groups and ensure that its territory was not used for attacks against Pakistan.

The PM paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians, saying around 90,000 Pakistanis had lost their lives in the country’s fight against terrorism.

Turning his focus to Balochistan’s development, the prime minister highlighted the province’s historical role in Pakistan’s creation, saying its leaders had consistently prioritised national unity over personal interests.

He said Balochistan’s vast geographical area, despite having the country’s smallest population, required greater investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare due to the long distances between settlements.

PM Sharif pointed to the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award as an example of cooperation among provinces, saying other provinces, particularly Punjab, had voluntarily agreed to increase Balochistan’s financial share.

Punjab, he said, had contributed Rs150 billion to Balochistan since 2010 under the arrangement, describing the support as a demonstration of national solidarity rather than a favour.

He also credited previous governments led by ex-premier Nawaz Sharif, as well as the current administration, for allocating additional resources for Balochistan’s development beyond routine budgetary commitments.

Highlighting major infrastructure projects, PM Sharif announced the planned upgrade of the N-25 highway linking Karachi and Chaman, a route often described as the “Bloody Road” because of its high accident rate.

The Rs300 =billion project would convert the highway into a safer dual carriageway, he said, adding that it would be financed through savings generated from lower international oil prices last year. He said the project would be completed within two years.

The prime minister also announced that around 27,000 agricultural tube-wells in Balochistan would be converted to solar energy under an Rs75 billion initiative, with the federal government contributing Rs50 billion. The scheme, he said, would help farmers cope with persistent electricity shortages.

Discussing water resources, PM Sharif said Rs368 billion had been allocated in the current federal budget for water-related projects, including the Kachhi Canal. He said work on the project would be accelerated and suggested renaming it the “Pakistan Canal” to reflect its national significance.

He reiterated that the country’s progress depended on balanced development across all regions, saying advancement in one province alone could not be considered genuine national progress.

On education, he announced that Balochistan would receive a larger share of federal laptops and scholarships. He said nine Danish Schools would also be established to provide free education to underprivileged and orphaned children.

He said Pakistan was entering an era shaped by digital innovation, artificial intelligence and information technology, and pledged continued federal support to strengthen educational institutions in Balochistan in cooperation with the provincial government.

Addressing economic challenges, the prime minister said transparent governance was essential for sustainable progress. He said that government reforms had resulted in the collection of Rs800 billion in sales tax and other indirect taxes during the past year.

Responding to concerns about corruption within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), he again stressed the need for transparency and institutional reforms.

He said countries such as Japan and Germany had rebuilt themselves through hard work, honesty and integrity, adding that Pakistan would require a similar commitment to achieve long-term economic stability.

PM Sharif reiterated that the Karachi-Chaman dual carriageway would be completed within 18 to 24 months and that work on the Kachhi Canal would be expedited.

He said Balochistan would receive the same attention and development support as Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A question-and-answer session followed the address, during which the prime minister responded to participants’ queries on governance, development, education and water projects before posing for a group photograph with workshop participants.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026