Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday invited all stakeholders to a grand dialogue on Balochistan, saying Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable development and prosperity without fully integrating the province into the national development agenda.
Addressing the Balochistan National Workshop, attended by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers, parliamentarians, political leaders and tribal elders, the prime minister stressed that the province’s longstanding challenges could only be resolved through consultation, reconciliation and the equitable distribution of resources.
“Pakistan cannot progress without Balochistan,” the prime minister said, adding that the country’s largest province must be brought into the mainstream of economic growth and prosperity.
Dialogue the Only Way Forward
Shehbaz Sharif said the purpose of the workshop was not merely for the government to present its position but also to listen to the concerns, aspirations and grievances of the people of Balochistan.
Calling for a broad-based dialogue, he said past events should not prevent efforts to build a better future.
“What happened in the past is part of history. The solution lies in sitting together and finding answers through dialogue,” he said.
The prime minister maintained that all legitimate concerns would be addressed through consultation and democratic engagement, describing dialogue and fair resource-sharing as the foundation of lasting stability.
Terrorism Not a Solution
While acknowledging the province’s genuine challenges, including its vast geography, scattered population and difficulties in providing education, healthcare and infrastructure, the premier rejected terrorism as a means of pursuing political objectives.
He said no cause could justify the killing of innocent people, labourers or citizens on the basis of identity, emphasizing that disputes should be settled through discussion rather than armed confrontation.
“Taking up arms under the pretext of grievances is not acceptable,” he said, adding that no patriotic individual could support violence against civilians.
Reconciliation and Return to the Mainstream
In one of the most significant parts of his address, Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to those willing to abandon terrorism and return to peaceful and constitutional politics.
“If our sons and daughters are ready to correct their course, they should be welcomed,” he said, urging society to create space for reconciliation and national unity.
The prime minister described the proposed grand dialogue as an opportunity to bridge divides and build consensus on the future of Balochistan.
Equitable Distribution of Resources
The premier emphasized that the solution to many of Balochistan’s challenges lies in the fair and equitable distribution of national resources.
He noted that while Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural wealth, unlocking its full economic potential requires investment, expertise and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.
“Consultation and equitable distribution of resources are essential for resolving issues and ensuring development reaches every part of the province,” he said.
Major Federal Investment in Balochistan
Highlighting the federal government’s commitment to development, Shehbaz Sharif said work was underway on the Karachi–Chaman N-25 Highway, a project worth Rs415 billion.
He noted that the project was being financed by the federation for the benefit of Balochistan’s people and would significantly improve connectivity and economic activity across the province.
The prime minister also referred to the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, describing it as one of the region’s most significant deep-sea ports capable of handling large cargo vessels. He said Gwadar and related infrastructure projects would play a key role in transforming Balochistan into a regional economic hub.
Support for Farmers and Students
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the conversion of 22,000 agricultural tube wells to solar energy, describing it as a major relief initiative for farmers. He said the Rs70 billion project included a substantial contribution from the federal government.
The prime minister also announced that Daanish Schools were being established in nine districts of Balochistan to ensure children from remote and underdeveloped areas receive quality education.
He said Balochistan had also been given enhanced representation in federal scholarship and laptop schemes to create greater educational opportunities for the province’s youth.
Security and Development Must Go Hand in Hand
The prime minister warned that development projects could only succeed in an environment of peace and stability. He expressed concern over attacks on workers and labourers involved in development projects, saying such incidents undermine efforts to improve living standards in the province.
He praised the sacrifices of security forces and law enforcement personnel who continue to confront terrorism and protect civilians.
Shared Prosperity for a Stronger Federation
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to Balochistan, Shehbaz Sharif said all four provinces are equal partners in Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
He recalled previous efforts to increase financial support for Balochistan and argued that national unity requires ensuring that every province benefits from development.
Concluding his address, the prime minister pledged to provide all possible support for Balochistan’s advancement and called for a sincere national conversation to address challenges through dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation.
“Pakistan’s future is linked with Balochistan’s future,” he said. “The path forward lies in dialogue, development and equitable sharing of opportunities and resources.”
