Quetta, May 31, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday unveiled a major development package worth Rs250 billion for Balochistan as part of the upcoming national budget for fiscal year 2025–26, declaring that there is “no room for injustice or neglect” of the province under his government.
Speaking at the Balochistan Grand Jirga in Quetta, the premier emphasized the importance of transparency and efficiency in the use of the funds, stating that they must bring visible, real-world improvements for the people of the province.
Shehbaz praised the people of Balochistan for their unwavering loyalty to the country and recalled the province’s early support for Pakistan’s formation. “Your elders were among the first to embrace Quaid-e-Azam’s vision,” he said. “If there are grievances, let us resolve them together — not as rulers and ruled, but as brothers.”
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the armed forces for repelling India’s recent cross-border aggression on May 6–7, calling it a “short but historic victory” under the command of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He described the military response as a moment of national pride that “avenged 1971,” and thanked the people of Balochistan for their solidarity during the confrontation.
In a gesture aimed at rebuilding trust, Shehbaz referenced Punjab’s 2010 decision to forgo Rs11 billion of its NFC share in support of Balochistan’s demand for equitable resource distribution. He also highlighted infrastructure progress under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, pointing out that Rs1.5–2 billion saved from the recent global drop in oil prices has now been redirected to upgrade the notorious N-25 highway — often called the “bloody road” due to its high fatality rate.
“There can be no economic progress where terrorism persists,” Shehbaz declared, reaffirming his government’s commitment to peace, justice, and economic integration. He urged all stakeholders — political, tribal, and civil — to join efforts to rehabilitate misled individuals, secure the province, and unlock its full potential for investment and development.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister promised that Balochistan will not be left behind in the national journey toward prosperity. “This province has waited long enough,” he said. “Now is the time to deliver.”
