PM Shehbaz arrives in Quetta to chair PAN provincial committee meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday led the deployment of the Frontier Corps in Balochistan’s Rakhshan division, saying a secure environment in the province was essential to maintain the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the directives came as the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the apex provincial committee of the national action plan in Quetta, where he was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress of development projects, planning and other related issues.

Directing the deployment of Frontier Corps in Rakhshan division, he said it would help establish a corridor for mineral protection in Balochistan.

“This security corridor would include additional Frontier Corps wings, highway security checkpoints, surveillance grid, border posts, etc. “, he said in the press release.

Highlighting the country’s potential in natural resources, especially minerals, he said ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan was essential to maintain the confidence of companies engaged in mineral-related projects.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the efforts of the provincial government to ensure transparency and merit in administrative appointments, and urged the authorities to maintain high standards of training of police and other law enforcement agencies to eliminate terrorism.

“Better training for police and other forces as well as adoption of new technologies are extremely important for the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism,” he said.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their efforts in combating terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of the country. He also congratulated Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and his team for the initiatives aimed at public welfare in the province.

He further said that the government was taking steps to integrate the youth of Balochistan into the national mainstream, empower them and encourage their participation in constructive activities. These include expanding educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, employment opportunities, sports and youth programs, scholarships, digital skills training and inclusion in decision-making processes.

The Prime Minister added that special attention was being given to development projects in the infrastructure, education, health and communications sectors to ensure better facilities and equal opportunities for the youth of the province.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz was briefed about the security situation in Balochistan, counter-terrorism measures, governance reforms, digitalization and steps towards a cashless economy.

It was declared that all institutions were working towards the complete elimination of terrorism. The participants were further informed that the youth skills program and other social initiatives were underway, no polio cases had been reported since November 2024 and several health projects, including cancer institutes, dialysis centers and trauma centers, had become operational or were under construction.

They were also told that 99% of schools in Balochistan were functional, while the solar power project had benefited over 15,000 households, resulting in savings of around Rs 10.5 billion.

The meeting was attended by CDF Munir, CM Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mushtaq Raza Naqvi, Ataullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Advisor to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and senior officials.

PM vows to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs

The Prime Minister also addressed the professors and student officers of the Command and Staff College, Quetta, reaffirming Pakistan’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

In his speech, he praised the professionalism, operational preparedness and sacrifices of the armed forces to ensure peace and stability. He paid tribute to the martyrs and the “unwavering commitment” of the armed forces in the defense of the country.

Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he paid tribute to what he termed as a historic victory of the armed forces under the leadership of CDF Munir, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s “responsible conduct and control of escalation” in response to India’s unprovoked aggression, adding that Pakistan’s position had been recognized by the international community.

He said Operation Ghazb-e-Haq continued with determination to fight terrorist proxies and dismantle their support networks, while reiterating Pakistan’s support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

Acknowledging the presence of students from friendly countries, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation, describing Pakistan as a “net regional stabilizer” contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond.

He was accompanied by the federal ministers of Defence, Home and Information, as well as the Chief Minister of Balochistan.

Earlier, on arrival at the Command and Staff College, Quetta, he was received by CDF Munir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz had earlier visited Quetta on January 8, where he met political leaders and unveiled several multi-billion rupee development initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s education and infrastructure sectors.

The last meeting of the Provincial Supreme Committee was held on March 5, under the chairmanship of CM Bugti, during which a comprehensive review of the province’s security landscape, governance reforms and ongoing development efforts was conducted, highlighting significant progress in implementing state directives.

Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of resolute state policies in strengthening law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a united and uncompromising stance against terrorism.