Prime Minister Shehbaz arrives in Quetta to preside over the provincial NAP committee meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday led the deployment of the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan division of Balochistan and said a secure environment in the province was essential to maintain confidence in local and international companies working on mineral-related projects.

According to a statement issued by the prime minister’s office, the directives came when the premier was chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee for the National Action Plan in Quetta, where he was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, the progress of development projects, planning and other related issues.

He led the deployment of the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan division and said this would help establish a corridor for the protection of minerals in Balochistan.

“This security corridor will include additional wings of the Frontier Corps, security checkpoints on highways, a surveillance network, border posts and so on,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

Highlighting the country’s natural resource potential, especially minerals, he said it was important to ensure a safe environment in Balochistan to maintain the confidence of companies involved in mineral-related projects.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the provincial government’s efforts to ensure transparency and merit in administrative appointments and urged the authorities to maintain high training standards for police and other law enforcement agencies to eliminate terrorism.

“The best training for the police and other forces and introduction of new technology is extremely important for complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism,” he said.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Staff Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their efforts to fight terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of the country. He also praised Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and his team for initiatives aimed at public welfare in the province.

He further said that the government was taking measures to bring the youth of Balochistan into the national mainstream, empower them and encourage their participation in constructive activities. These included expanding educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, employment opportunities, sports and youth programs, scholarships, digital skills training and inclusion in decision-making processes.

The premier added that special focus was given to development projects in infrastructure, education, health and communication sectors to ensure better facilities and equal opportunities for youth in the province.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz was briefed about the security situation in Balochistan, measures against terrorism, government reforms, digitization and steps towards a cashless economy.

It was stated that all institutions were working for complete elimination of terrorism. Participants were further informed that the Youth Skills Program and other welfare initiatives were ongoing, that no polio cases had been reported since November 2024, and several health projects including cancer facilities, dialysis centers and trauma centers had become operational or were under construction.

They were also told that 99% of schools in Balochistan were functional, while the solar project had benefited more than 15,000 households, resulting in savings of around Rs 10.5 billion.

The meeting was attended by CDF Munir, CM Bugti, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mushtaq Raza Naqvi, Ataullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and senior officials.

Prime Minister vows to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs

The Prime Minister also addressed faculty and student officers of the Command and Staff College, Quetta, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

In his speech, he praised the armed forces for their professionalism, operational readiness and sacrifices to ensure peace and stability. He hailed the martyrs and the “unwavering commitment” of the armed forces in the defense of the country.

Referring to the Marka-e-Haq, he hailed what he called the historic victory of the armed forces under the leadership of CDF Munir, according to a statement from the PM Office.

The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s “responsible behavior and escalation control” in response to India’s unprovoked aggression, adding that Pakistan’s stance had been recognized by the international community.

He said Operation Ghazb-e-Haq was continuing with determination to counter terrorist proxies and dismantle their support networks while reiterating Pakistan’s support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

Acknowledging the presence of students from friendly countries, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation, describing Pakistan as a “net regional stabilizer” that contributes to peace and stability in and beyond the region.

He was accompanied by the Federal Ministers of Defence, Home and Information Policy and the Chief Minister of Balochistan.

Earlier, on arrival at the Command and Staff College Quetta, he was received by CDF Munir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz earlier visited Quetta on January 8 where he met political leaders and unveiled several multi-billion-rupee development initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s education and infrastructure sectors.

The last meeting of the provincial Apex Committee was held on March 5 under the chairmanship of CM Bugti, where a comprehensive review of the province’s security landscape, government reforms and ongoing development efforts was conducted, highlighting significant progress in enforcing the state’s writ.

Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of determined state policies to strengthen law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a united, uncompromising stance against terrorism.