Political harmony marks PM’s visit to Quetta; Prime Minister links counterterrorism to lasting stability
Political leaders greet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta. Photo: PPI
QUETA:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to ensure lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan, linking effective counterterrorism, inclusive development and strong federal-provincial cooperation as essential pillars to strengthen national cohesion and long-term security of Pakistan.
Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians and officials 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 emphasizing that the State’s resolve to defeat such elements remains firm.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, police, Frontier Corps (FC) and civilians, condemning Fitna-al-Khawarij and lamenting the support extended to militants by certain neighboring countries, while praising the professionalism and leadership of Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Shehbaz said intelligence-led operations and close coordination between civil authorities and security institutions had disrupted terrorist activity and improved public security, recalling Pakistan’s responsible response to last year’s regional tensions to safeguard sovereignty without undermining broader regional stability.
The prime minister highlighted development initiatives, laying the foundation stone for a Rs 300 billion expansion of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Expressway into a four-lane carriageway, funded by savings from fluctuations in global oil prices, to improve safety on the once famous ‘Killer Highway’.
He also announced five Danish schools from Killa Saifullah to Turbat for disadvantaged children, praised the solarization of agricultural tubewells and said $400 million in World Bank funds were financing housing for flood-affected families across the province.
Recalling the 2010 NFC Award, Shehbaz highlighted Punjab’s voluntary contribution of Rs 175 billion to Balochistan, said a new award was in the works and reaffirmed federal support for governance reforms outlined by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, concluding with a renewed commitment to inclusive development and sustainable peace.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Khan briefed the Prime Minister on governance reforms, development planning and service delivery in the province. The report covered progress in key sectors such as education, healthcare, administration and public complaints handling, achieved despite financial and logistical constraints.
Chief Minister Shehbaz praised Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s provincial government for its focus on development, political coordination and public welfare. He reaffirmed that the federal government would continue to work closely with the province, ensuring 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 developed in Balochistan during the prime minister’s visit, the opposition stood by the provincial government on matters of national interest and key decisions.
Political observers noted the spirit of cooperation visibly demonstrated by Opposition Leader 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 the role of Chief Minister Bugti and asserted that Balochistan’s strong political traditions are rooted in inclusivity and respect. He noted that despite political disagreements, Bugti has brought the opposition on board on important issues.
The gesture was widely seen as a reflection of democratic maturity, political pragmatism and a shared commitment to prioritizing the national interest over partisan considerations, political observers said, adding that this tradition of consensus offers a valuable model for other provinces.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
