- PM says govt ready to listen and resolve genuine grievances.
- He says province’s development crucial for Pakistan’s progress.
- PM says Balochistan’s resources primarily belong to local people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasised the need for a grand dialogue to address the issues being faced by Balochistan, saying that the government is ready to listen to and resolve genuine grievances.
Addressing participants of the Balochistan National Workshop in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz said all genuine grievances should be discussed and resolved through peaceful and civilised means.
He said those willing to abandon violence and return to the right path should be welcomed. He also highlighted the importance of Gwadar Port, saying Balochistan’s development is essential for Pakistan’s overall progress.
The premier said the federal government contributed Rs40 billion to a 70-billion-rupee project for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan under which over 20,000 Balochistan tube wells have so far been converted to solar power.
Recalling the 2010 National Finance Commission discussions, the PM said all four provinces had agreed to enhance funding for Balochistan.
He said Punjab contributed Rs11 billion annually, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among the provinces.
The premier reaffirmed that Balochistan must receive greater participation in development and welfare initiatives and said the province’s share in various schemes has been kept above its population-based share.
The PM highlighted that Balochistan is endowed with vast mineral and natural resources.
He stressed that these resources primarily belong to the people of the province and must be developed through cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.
He emphasised that the people of Balochistan should be the primary beneficiaries of the province’s natural wealth, followed by the people of Pakistan.
The premier acknowledged that Balochistan faces genuine challenges, particularly due to its vast geographical area, which creates difficulties in providing education, healthcare, roads and other basic services.
He said such issues should be resolved through mutual consultation and the fair distribution of available resources so that all provinces can benefit.
Responding to a question, the PM said a number of Daanish Schools are being completed in different parts of the province to provide quality education to the deserving children.
