Islamabad, January 2, 2026: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday underscored Balochistan’s strategic importance in regional connectivity and its vast natural resources, calling for enhanced investment in infrastructure, trade, minerals and connectivity to uplift local communities, generate employment and promote shared national progress.
Addressing participants of the National Workshop Balochistan (NWB-18) at the President’s House, Gilani said Balochistan occupies a pivotal position linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East. He noted that the province’s coastline, abundant natural resources and strategic location make it central to Pakistan’s economic future and national security.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to peace, development, inclusion and constitutional rights, the Senate chairman said platforms such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) provide coordinated avenues for investment. He added that projects like Reko Diq and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related initiatives would drive economic growth, capacity-building and investor confidence, while safeguarding provincial interests.
Gilani emphasized that the people of Balochistan, with their rich culture, history and traditions, are an inseparable part of Pakistan’s national identity. He called for equitable development, opportunity and inclusion across the province.
Highlighting climate-related challenges, he drew attention to the impact of floods and heavy rainfall in Balochistan, which have caused loss of lives and livelihoods. He stressed the need for sustained humanitarian support, rehabilitation efforts and long-term planning to address climate-induced risks.
Terming the resilience of Balochistan’s people a source of strength and optimism, Gilani called for equipping the province’s youth with education, skills and opportunities so they can become agents of peace, progress and national unity.
Recalling his recent visit to the Pakistan Navy War College, the Senate chairman reiterated the importance of maritime security and the blue economy, noting that such engagements contribute to a holistic understanding of national defence and development priorities.
Gilani also reflected on his tenure as prime minister, highlighting the 2009 Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan Package as a landmark democratic initiative unanimously approved by Parliament. He said the package aimed to rebuild trust, strengthen provincial autonomy, ensure fair resource sharing, enhance youth employment and civil service representation, and expand educational opportunities through scholarships and new institutions.
He noted that special development measures were introduced for resource-extraction areas to ensure local communities benefit directly, stressing that political reconciliation and dialogue remain essential for lasting peace through inclusion.
The Senate chairman reaffirmed that the Senate of Pakistan remains committed to protecting provincial rights, strengthening the federation and promoting balanced development through oversight, transparency and dialogue.
Welcoming participants to the federal capital, Gilani praised the National Workshop Balochistan as a commendable initiative of the Government of Balochistan, in collaboration with Headquarters 12 Corps, Quetta, aimed at fostering national cohesion, informed leadership and constructive dialogue on provincial issues. He appreciated the organisers for bringing together policymakers, academics, professionals and young leaders to promote mutual understanding, national integration and capacity-building.
Urging participants to respect diversity, uphold constitutional values and work within democratic frameworks, Gilani expressed hope that the workshop would deepen their understanding of parliamentary democracy and inspire them to play a constructive role in national development.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, during which the Senate chairman addressed issues related to inclusive development, national security, parliamentary legislation and political reconciliation.
