Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his address to the Grand Jirga in Quetta, made a strong pitch for national unity, regional development, and collective resistance against terrorism, especially in Balochistan.
He was joined by Field Marshal Asim Munir and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, in a high-level show of solidarity with the people of the province.
In his speech, PM Shehbaz stressed the urgent need for dialogue and national cohesion. “We must create unity and consensus among ourselves. Progress, prosperity, and unrest cannot go together,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to come together and chart a united path forward.
Balochistan: Pakistan’s pride
Reiterating the words of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz called Balochistan the “crown of Pakistan’s forehead" and said that the development of the province was crucial for the country's overall progress. “The development of Balochistan is the development of Pakistan,” he stated, adding that the government was fully committed to uplifting the region, which is the largest and most beloved province of Pakistan.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti echoed the sentiment, praising the prime minister and military leadership for their support. “The announcement of the N-25 highway has created a wave of joy among the people. The prime minister brought everyone together in this crisis — this is his political insight. This series of national jirgas and talks should continue,” said Bugti.
War, water, and national security
Turning to recent tensions with India, PM Shehbaz revealed that Pakistan had responded decisively to Indian aggression on May 6, 7, and 10. “The war was short, but dangerous. Pakistan’s forces defeated the enemy in a way that will be remembered for generations. Our forces avenged 1971 and boosted national pride,” he said.
He credited the victory to the valiant leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and stressed that Pakistan would never allow India to weaponize water resources. “We will not permit the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Any future attempt will meet a strong response,” he warned.
Terrorism and Balochistan’s security
Calling terrorists "bloodthirsty agents of external forces," PM Shehbaz urged the people of Balochistan to block their path and make collective efforts to bring back those who had gone astray. “Terrorists have no concern for Pakistan’s development. We must come together and eliminate this menace,” he added.
Chief Minister Bugti also pointed to foreign involvement in the region’s unrest, stating, “A group is committing terrorism on Indian instructions. But terrorists have no connection with the people of Balochistan.”
Massive development budget for Balochistan
The prime minister announced an unprecedented allocation for Balochistan under the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Out of the Rs1,000 billion budget, Rs250 billion will be earmarked for the province. “Even that is not enough in my view,” he added, calling for honest use of resources in Gwadar, Pasni, and surrounding areas.
He also highlighted Punjab’s contribution of Rs11 billion from its share during the 2010 NFC Award agreement signed in Gwadar, which, he said, should now be equal to Rs155 billion. “We are four brothers. One bread must be shared by all. We don't mind spending even Rs1,600 billion,” he said, advocating for national equity and cooperation.
Among the development initiatives, a Rs70 billion solar energy project for farmers and the long-awaited completion of the N-25 highway -- often referred to as the “bloody road” due to accidents -- were key highlights. He noted that the previous government had provided funding for N25.
The premier concluded by urging all political, ethnic, and regional factions to come together. “If there is any complaint, we should sit down and talk. Let us use this moment to build a stronger, united, and peaceful Pakistan.”
