PM Shehbaz calls for grand dialogue on Balochistan issues
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed the urgent need for a grand dialogue to address the long standing problems faced by the people of Balochistan. Speaking at the Balochistan National Workshop in Islamabad, he made it clear that the government is ready to listen carefully and resolve every genuine grievance through peaceful and civilised discussion.
The premier said anyone who is ready to leave the path of violence and return to the right course should be welcomed with open arms. He pointed out that the development of Balochistan is not only important for the province itself but is essential for the overall progress of Pakistan. Special attention was given to the strategic value of Gwadar Port as a key driver of national growth.
Highlighting practical steps already taken, Shehbaz Sharif shared that the federal government has provided Rs40 billion for a Rs70 billion solarisation project for agricultural tube wells in Balochistan. More than 20,000 tube wells have already been converted to solar power under this scheme, bringing real relief to local farmers.
Recalling the 2010 National Finance Commission talks, the Prime Minister noted that all four provinces had agreed to increase financial support for Balochistan. Punjab alone contributes Rs11 billion every year, showing the strong spirit of brotherhood among the federating units. He reaffirmed that the province continues to receive a higher share in development and welfare programmes than its population ratio would normally allow.
Shehbaz Sharif reminded the audience that Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources. These resources, he said, first and foremost belong to the people of the province and must be developed through close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments. The people of Balochistan should remain the primary beneficiaries, followed by the rest of the country.
He openly acknowledged the genuine difficulties created by the province’s vast geographical size. Providing quality education, healthcare, roads and other basic facilities across such a large area remains a major challenge. These issues, the Premier stressed, can only be solved through mutual consultation and the fair distribution of available resources so that every province benefits.
In response to a question, Shehbaz Sharif informed participants that several Daanish Schools are being completed in different parts of Balochistan to offer quality education to deserving children. The message throughout his address remained consistent: dialogue, inclusion and practical development are the only sustainable ways forward for the province and for Pakistan as a whole.
