Islamabad, July 24, 2026: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Balochistan is not a peripheral concern but the cornerstone of Pakistan’s unity, economic future and national security, urging all stakeholders to work collectively for lasting peace, inclusive development and a stronger federation.
Addressing participants at the National Workshop on Balochistan held at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) in Islamabad, Gilani welcomed parliamentarians, civil servants, members of civil society, academia, youth and media representatives from across the country. He described the workshop as an important platform for promoting dialogue, strengthening inter-provincial understanding and reinforcing national cohesion.
Highlighting Balochistan’s strategic importance, the Chairman Senate said the province’s vast coastline, abundant mineral resources and geographical location connecting South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East make it central to Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
While acknowledging the province’s security, socio-economic and human development challenges, Gilani strongly condemned terrorism and said hostile elements backed by external forces were attempting to destabilise Pakistan by targeting innocent civilians and development projects.
He paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces, Frontier Corps Balochistan, police and other law enforcement agencies for their professionalism and sacrifices in safeguarding the country, reaffirming the Senate’s solidarity with the nation’s security forces and honouring the sacrifices of martyrs.
The Chairman Senate stressed that sustainable peace could not be achieved through security measures alone. He underscored the need to empower the people of Balochistan, particularly its youth, through education, employment, skills development, political participation and equal opportunities.
He said winning the trust and confidence of the people was essential for ensuring lasting peace and meaningful development.
Recalling his tenure as prime minister, Gilani highlighted several initiatives launched for Balochistan, including the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan Package, the Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, settlement of outstanding gas development surcharges and royalties, increased representation of Baloch youth in federal institutions and the armed forces, and sustained political dialogue aimed at addressing the province’s legitimate concerns.
Reaffirming the Senate’s constitutional role as the House of Federation, he said it remained committed to protecting provincial rights, strengthening the federation, ensuring equitable resource distribution and guaranteeing equal representation of all provinces in national decision-making.
Gilani observed that development, security and national unity are closely interconnected, adding that terrorism seeks to undermine education, economic progress and public welfare by targeting schools, labourers and development projects. He expressed confidence that the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan would defeat such attempts.
Urging participants to become ambassadors of national harmony, constitutional values and democratic principles, he encouraged them to promote dialogue, respect diversity and contribute positively to Pakistan’s progress.
Concluding his address, the Chairman Senate expressed confidence in Pakistan’s youth, describing them as the country’s future and calling on all Pakistanis to stand united against forces seeking to divide the nation.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, Gilani also praised the vision of former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for establishing Pakistan’s bicameral legislature and creating the Senate to ensure equal representation of all provinces. He further appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s civil and military leadership in promoting peace both within the country and internationally.
