PM Shehbaz arrives in Quetta to chair provincial NAP committee meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the deployment of Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan Division of Balochistan, 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 premier chaired a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan in Quetta, where he was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, the progress of development projects, planning and other related matters.

Directing the deployment of Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan Division, he said this would help establish a corridor for the protection of minerals in Balochistan.

“This security corridor would include additional wings of the Frontier Corps, security checkpoints on highways, a surveillance grid, border posts, and so on,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

Highlighting the country’s natural resource potential, particularly 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 provincial government’s efforts to ensure transparency and merit in administrative appointments, and urged authorities to maintain high training standards for police and other law enforcement agencies to eliminate terrorism.

“The best training for the police and other forces and the adoption of new technology are extremely important for the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism,” he said.

The prime minister paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their efforts in countering terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of the country. He also commended Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and his team for initiatives aimed at public welfare in the province.

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

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

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, measures against terrorism, governance reforms, digitisation, and steps towards a cashless economy.

It was stated that all institutions were working for the complete elimination of terrorism. The participants were further informed that the Youth Skills Programme and other welfare initiatives were underway, no polio case had been reported since November 2024, and several health projects, including cancer institutes, dialysis centres and trauma centres had become operational or were under construction.

They were also told that 99% of schools in Balochistan were functional, while the solar energy project had benefited more than 15,000 households, resulting in savings of around Rs10.5 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, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and senior officials.

PM vows to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs

The prime minister also addressed faculty and student officers at the Command and Staff College, Quetta, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

In his address, he lauded the professionalism, operational preparedness and sacrifices of the armed forces in ensuring peace and stability. He paid tribute to the martyrs and the “unwavering commitment” of the armed forces in defence of the country.

Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he paid tribute to what he termed the historic victory of the armed forces under the leadership of CDF Munir, according to a PM Office statement.

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

He said Operation Ghazb-e-Haq was continuing with resolve to counter terrorist proxies and dismantle their support networks, while reiterating Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

Acknowledging the presence of students from friendly countries, the premier underscored the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation, describing Pakistan as a “Net Regional Stabiliser” contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond.

He was accompanied by the federal ministers for defence, interior and information, and the chief minister of Balochistan.

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

PM Shehbaz previously visited Quetta on January 8, where he met political leaders and unveiled multiple multi-billion-rupee development initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s education and infrastructure sectors.

The last Provincial Apex Committee meeting was held on March 5, under the chairmanship of CM Bugti, where a comprehensive review of the province’s security landscape, governance reforms, and ongoing development efforts was conducted, underscoring significant progress in enforcing the writ of the state.

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