Political harmony marks PM’s visit to Quetta; PM links counter-terrorism to lasting stability
Political leaders greet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on arrival at the Chief Minister Secretariat in Quetta. Photo: PPI
QUETTA:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to ensure lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan, linking effective counter-terrorism, inclusive development and strong federal-provincial cooperation as essential pillars to strengthen Pakistan’s national cohesion and long-term security.
Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians and civil servants in Quetta, the prime minister said the fight against terrorism remained a collective national responsibility, acknowledging persistent threats from illegal groups exploiting regional instability, while stressing that the state’s resolve to defeat such elements remained firm.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, police, Frontier Corps (FC) and civilians, condemned the Fitna-al-Khawarij and lamented the support given to militants from certain neighboring countries while praising the professionalism and leadership of the Chief of Defense and Chief of Staff Asim Munir Syed, Field Marshal.
Shehbaz said intelligence-led operations and close coordination between civilian authorities and security institutions had disrupted terrorist activity and improved public security, recalling Pakistan’s responsible response to last year’s regional tensions to ensure sovereignty without undermining broader regional stability.
The prime minister highlighted development initiatives that laid the foundation stone for a Rs300 billion widening of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman highway to a four-lane carriageway, funded through savings from fluctuating global oil prices, to improve safety on the once infamous ‘Killer Highway’.
He also announced five Danish schools from Killa Saifullah to Turbat for underprivileged children, praised the solarization of agricultural tube wells and said $400 million in World Bank funds financed housing for flood-affected families across the province.
Recalling the 2010 NFC award, Shehbaz noted Punjab’s voluntary contribution of Rs 175 billion to Balochistan, said work on a new award was underway, and reaffirmed federal support for government reforms outlined by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti with an inclusiveness for peace and clean development.
Earlier, the Prime Minister was briefed by Chief Secretary Khan about government reforms, development planning and service delivery in the province. The briefing covered progress in key sectors such as education, health care, administration and public grievance handling, achieved despite financial and logistical constraints.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the provincial government under Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti for its focus on development, political coordination and public welfare. He reaffirmed that the federal government will continue to work closely with the province and ensure support for development projects, institutional reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Balochistan.
Meanwhile, in a rare and positive example of political harmony that unfolded in Balochistan during the Prime Minister’s visit, the opposition stood with the provincial government on issues of national interest and key decisions.
Political observers noted the cooperative spirit clearly demonstrated by Leader of the Opposition Mir Younas Aziz Zehri and former Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch when they warmly greeted Shehbaz at a reception at the Chief Minister House.
During the Prime Minister’s meeting with opposition leaders, Zehri openly praised Chief Minister Bugti’s role and stated that Balochistan’s strong political traditions are rooted in inclusiveness and respect. He noted that despite political differences, Bugti has consulted the opposition on important issues.
The gesture was widely seen as a reflection of democratic maturity, political pragmatism and a shared commitment to prioritize national interest over partisan considerations, political observers said, adding that this tradition of consensus offers a valuable model for other provinces.
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
