Chief Minister Shehbaz arrives in Quetta to chair PAN provincial committee meeting

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

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the directives were given while the prime minister was presiding over a meeting of the Higher Provincial Committee of National Action Plan in Quetta, where he was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress of development projects, planning and other related matters.

Directing the deployment of the Frontier Corps in Rakhshan Division, he said this would help in establishing a corridor for mineral protection in Balochistan.

“This security corridor would include additional wings of the Border Corps, highway security check posts, a surveillance network, border posts, etc.,” he said in the statement.

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

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

“Better training of police and other forces and the adoption of new technology are extremely important for the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism,” he said.

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

He further said that the government was taking steps 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 prime minister added that special attention is being paid to development projects in the infrastructure, education, health and communications sectors to ensure better facilities and equal opportunities for the youth of the province.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, counter-terrorism measures, governance reforms, digitalization and steps towards a cashless economy.

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

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

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

PM vows to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs

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

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

Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he paid tribute to what he called the historic victory of the armed forces under the leadership of CDF Munir, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.

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

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 underlined the importance of diplomacy and military cooperation and described Pakistan as a “net regional stabilizer” contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond.

He was accompanied by the federal ministers of Defence, Interior and Information, and the chief minister of Balochistan.

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

Chief Minister Shehbaz previously visited Quetta on January 8, where he met political leaders and unveiled multiple development initiatives worth billions of rupees aimed at strengthening the province’s education and infrastructure sectors.

The latest 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, governance reforms and ongoing development efforts was carried out, highlighting significant progress in the implementation of State orders.

Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of decisive state policies in strengthening law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a unified and uncompromising stance against terrorism.