ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for a “grand dialogue” to address Balochistan’s genuine grievances, saying the government was ready to listen to the people and resolve their concerns through peaceful and democratic means. Addressing participants of the Balochistan National Workshop in Islamabad, the prime minister said all genuine issues should be discussed through dialogue and resolved in a civilised manner. He said those willing to abandon violence and return to the right path should be welcomed, stressing that peace and stability were essential for the province’s development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Balochistan’s progress was directly linked to Pakistan’s overall development and highlighted the strategic importance of Gwadar Port. He said the federal government was committed to supporting development and welfare projects in the province and ensuring that the people of Balochistan received a greater share of development benefits.
The prime minister said the federal government had contributed Rs40 billion to a Rs70 billion project for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan. Under the project, more than 20,000 tube wells have so far been converted to solar power, providing relief to farmers and helping reduce their energy costs.
Recalling discussions during the 2010 National Finance Commission process, Shehbaz Sharif said all four provinces had agreed to increase funding for Balochistan. He said Punjab was contributing Rs11 billion annually under the arrangement, describing the support as a reflection of brotherhood and solidarity among the provinces.
The prime minister reaffirmed that Balochistan should receive greater participation in development and welfare programmes. He said the province’s share in various government schemes had been kept above its population-based share to support its development and address its longstanding challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted Balochistan’s vast mineral and natural resources, saying these resources primarily belonged to the people of the province. He stressed that the federal and provincial governments should work together to develop these resources in a way that ensures local communities benefit from the province’s natural wealth.
“The people of Balochistan should be the primary beneficiaries of its natural resources, followed by the people of Pakistan,” the prime minister said, emphasising the need for a fair and cooperative approach to resource development.
He acknowledged that Balochistan faced genuine challenges, particularly because of its vast geographical area and scattered population. These factors, he said, made it difficult to provide education, healthcare, roads and other basic services across the province.
The prime minister said such challenges could be addressed through consultation, cooperation and fair distribution of available resources. He stressed that development efforts should ensure that all provinces and their people benefit from Pakistan’s economic progress.
Responding to a question about education, Shehbaz Sharif said a number of Daanish Schools were being completed in different parts of Balochistan. The institutions, he said, would provide quality education and greater opportunities to deserving children in the province.
