Quetta, January 8, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored the government’s responsibility to work closely with the provinces—particularly those facing serious challenges—emphasising the principles of “brotherhood and cooperation.”
Addressing political leaders in Quetta, the prime minister announced the launch of several development projects worth billions of rupees in Balochistan’s education and infrastructure sectors. He said it was deeply unfortunate that the province had long been afflicted by terrorism and paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices.
“Whether soldiers and officers of the army, Rangers, Levies or ordinary citizens, their sacrifices will be remembered in history,” he said, adding that the fight against terrorism was ongoing. He stated that Fitna-al-Khawarij— the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan—were receiving support from neighbouring countries, calling it “unfortunate,” but reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to eradicate terrorism.
The prime minister lauded the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for leading the counterterrorism efforts and also referred to the military conflict with India in May last year, saying India had been “taught a lesson it will never forget.”
Reflecting on Balochistan’s share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, PM Shehbaz recalled that during the 2010 negotiations, then chief minister Nawab Aslam Raisani had demanded a 100 per cent increase in the province’s resources. He acknowledged the validity of the demand, citing Balochistan’s vast geography and development needs.
“To fulfil this demand, Punjab took the lead,” he said, adding that Punjab had reduced Rs11 billion annually from its own share and transferred it to Balochistan. “Over the past 16 years, nearly Rs200 billion have been given from Punjab’s share alone,” he noted, stressing that “when it comes to family, decisions are made like brothers.”
The prime minister announced the establishment of five Danish (Daanish) Schools in Balochistan, expressing hope that improved access to quality education would help curb extremism. He reiterated that working with distant and disadvantaged provinces was a national duty and essential to bridging inter-provincial gaps.
PM Shehbaz also praised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s initiatives for Balochistan’s development and expressed readiness to work closely with the province’s chief minister and governor to address challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
During his visit, the prime minister also unveiled a Rs300 billion project for the construction of the Chaman–Karachi Highway. According to Radio Pakistan, he received a briefing from Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on ongoing development projects in the province.
