A high-profile federal delegation, including key ministers, secretaries, and heads of federal departments, met in Quetta on Thursday to discuss unresolved federal matters concerning Balochistan. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, focused on economic development, security, and infrastructure projects.
The delegation reviewed a 47-point agenda covering various federal ministries and departments, including petroleum, energy, railways, information, communications, finance, foreign affairs, and the Planning Commission, along with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Read more: Entire country now labels angry Baloch as terrorists: Sarfraz Bugti
One of the key proposals discussed was a one-time amnesty for registering approximately 6,000 fishing boats operating in Balochistan’s waters. Both federal and provincial governments agreed to curb illegal trawling by installing tracking systems and establishing a central monitoring control room.
The Ministry of Petroleum assured the payment of outstanding dues of Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) accumulated over the last three years to Balochistan. Additionally, authorities pledged to intensify anti-smuggling operations within the province.
The Ministries of Finance and Energy committed to releasing the remaining funds for solar-powered agricultural tube wells by the second week of April. Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari promised swift project completion to prevent financial losses for local farmers.
IG Railway Police Rai Tahir emphasized enhancing security, equipping police with modern weapons, and improving overall railway safety during a briefing on railway security and development.
The Ministry of Communications updated the meeting on major infrastructure projects, including the Mashkel-Panjgur Road, Gwadar Port, Reko Diq, and Saindak development.
The Planning Commission confirmed that, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, each division in Balochistan would receive Rs1 billion to address socio-economic challenges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed attendees on diplomatic efforts against countries supporting terrorism in Balochistan. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting pledged to restore Bol TV and GNN bureau offices in Quetta and activate all national media offices in the province.
To combat anti-state activities on social media, Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that regional heads of social media companies would visit Quetta to address accounts linked to terrorism and subversion. The FIA also addressed white-collar crimes, financial fraud, and cybercrimes in the province.
It was decided that the Pakistan Coast Guards would receive additional resources to strengthen operations against illegal trawling, while the federal government and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) would collaborate to bolster anti-terrorism efforts and promote a national narrative against extremism. The Secretary of Law led a committee to draft provincial legislation on missing persons.
During the meeting, CM Bugti welcomed the federal delegation and expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz for prioritizing Balochistan’s concerns. He emphasized that resolving federal issues would strengthen the province’s position and counter anti-state narratives. He urged swift execution of the solar tube well project to prevent financial losses for farmers, as well as cooperation with customs authorities in anti-smuggling efforts.
The chief minister highlighted the absence of motorways in Balochistan and requested the Ministry of Communications to construct a motorway segment as a symbolic demonstration of federal support.
CM Bugti also called for educational opportunities for Balochistan’s youth at top global institutions like Harvard to facilitate a transition away from illegal trade and smuggling. He expressed concern over the 24-year delay in the Kachhi Canal project and demanded full allocation of annual resources to ensure its completion. He concluded by expressing optimism that the decisions made at the meeting would result in significant benefits for Balochistan.
The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, including Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
