Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Says Balochistan Is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein
National Action Plan Apex Committee Meeting Held in Quetta Under Prime Minister’s Chairmanship
A meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan was held in Quetta under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, where detailed briefings were given on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, governance reforms, and counter-terrorism measures.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Balochistan is Pakistan’s jugular vein and that a handful of terrorists cannot separate it from the country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and development across the province.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their successful operations and efforts against terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his provincial team for taking multiple initiatives aimed at public welfare and governance improvement in Balochistan.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division to strengthen security arrangements and establish a protection corridor for mineral projects in the province.
According to the briefing, the proposed security corridor will include additional Frontier Corps wings, highway security check posts, surveillance systems, and border posts to ensure safety for local and international companies involved in mineral exploration and development projects.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is rich in natural resources, especially minerals, and that maintaining a secure environment in Balochistan is essential for attracting investment and ensuring economic growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Government of Balochistan for maintaining transparency and merit in appointments within district administrations and highlighted the importance of modern training and advanced technology for police and security forces in the fight against terrorism.
The meeting was informed that the Government of Pakistan is actively working to integrate the youth of Balochistan into the national mainstream through educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, scholarships, sports programs, digital skills training, and employment initiatives.
Special focus is also being given to infrastructure, education, health, and communication projects to provide the youth of Balochistan with equal opportunities for progress and participation in national development.
Officials briefing the meeting stated that all institutions are actively working for the complete elimination of terrorism and that youth welfare projects, including the Youth Skills Program, are progressing successfully.
The meeting was also informed that no new polio case has been reported in Balochistan since November 2024. Additionally, several major healthcare projects including the Cancer Institute, Dialysis Centre, and Trauma Centre have become operational, while work on additional facilities is ongoing.
According to the briefing, 99 percent of schools across Balochistan are currently functional and educational activities are continuing uninterrupted.
Officials further informed the Prime Minister that more than 15,000 homes in Balochistan have benefited from solar energy projects, resulting in reported savings of approximately Rs 105 billion so far.
The high-level meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
