PM Shehbaz Vows to Eliminate Terrorism, Announces Major Development Projects for Balochistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s firm resolve to completely eradicate terrorism from Pakistan, declaring that he would not rest until the threat is fully eliminated.
Addressing political leaders in Quetta, Balochistan — the country’s second-most affected province by terrorism — the prime minister praised the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and Balochistan Police for their sacrifices in the ongoing fight against militancy. He said the group Fitna al-Khawarij receives support from foreign countries and vowed decisive action against all terrorist elements.
PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that the nation would once again defeat terrorism, drawing parallels with what he described as Pakistan’s success against India during “Marka-e-Haq,” under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Referring to last year’s military escalation between Pakistan and India — the worst confrontation in decades — the prime minister said Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, as well as dozens of drones. The conflict, which lasted at least 87 hours, ended on May 10, 2025, following a US-brokered ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Alongside security matters, the prime minister announced several major development initiatives for Balochistan, worth billions of rupees. He said five Daanish Schools would be established in the province to provide quality education to deserving students.
On infrastructure, PM Shehbaz announced the construction of the Chaman–Karachi (N-25) highway at a cost of Rs300 billion, aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating economic activity in the province.
He emphasized that funds are being distributed to all provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and reiterated the government’s commitment to national development through collective efforts and mutual consultation.
Highlighting inter-provincial cooperation, the prime minister noted that, at the request of a former Balochistan chief minister, Punjab has been diverting funds from its own NFC share to Balochistan. Over the past 16 years, Punjab has provided Rs175 billion to the province.
PM Shehbaz also said that $400 million received from the World Bank is being used for the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas in Balochistan.
The prime minister congratulated Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti on his election as chief of the Bugti tribe. He praised Bugti and his cabinet, saying that after a long time, Balochistan has a government that is making serious and sincere efforts for the province’s development.
