Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday announced Rs10 billion in financial assistance for security forces during her visit to Balochistan, reaffirming inter-provincial solidarity amid ongoing security challenges in the province.
The announcement was made while addressing a ceremony at the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters, where Maryam Nawaz praised the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel in maintaining peace and stability.
This marked Maryam Nawaz’s first official visit to Balochistan as Chief Minister of Punjab. During the visit, she also called on the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where she was warmly received by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, members of the provincial cabinet, and lawmakers.
Speaking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab’s resources would remain available for Balochistan at all times. “The people of Balochistan are our own. Punjab will stand with them as fellow Pakistanis in every possible way,” she said.
The Punjab chief minister also met families of those martyred and injured in recent terrorist attacks, expressing condolences and solidarity. She described the resilience of Balochistan’s people and their commitment to Pakistan as “commendable.”
Emphasising national unity, Maryam Nawaz said terrorism could only be defeated through collective resolve. “We want to see peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan,” she said, adding that the province was facing the threat of Fitna-al-Khawarij, not public unrest, and that Punjab would fully support operations against militancy.
Welcoming the Punjab chief minister, Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti termed the Rs10 billion assistance a “positive and commendable step,” noting that both government and opposition in the province were united on public welfare and security.
Senior Punjab officials, including provincial ministers Maryam Aurangzeb and Azma Bokhari, along with the Chief Secretary Punjab, accompanied Maryam Nawaz. The visit is being seen as significant in the context of Balochistan’s evolving political and security landscape.
