WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, holds immense natural wealth and cultural heritage, but decades of neglect demand national self-accountability.
Speaking at an event during his visit to the province, the prime minister said that Baloch leaders had voluntarily chosen to join Pakistan, and the province had since remained a symbol of unity and resilience. “Allah has blessed Balochistan with countless natural resources, yet it is unfortunate that much of its wealth still lies buried beneath the ground,” he said.
PM Sharif noted that Balochistan’s vast geography had posed developmental challenges, particularly in providing electricity and road access to remote populations. “Without a strong road network, the progress of education and industry cannot be achieved,” he added.
The prime minister announced that the Karachi–Chaman Highway, notorious for frequent fatal accidents, would be converted into a dual carriageway at an estimated cost of Rs350 billion. “We want to turn this ‘bloody road’ into a road of peace,” he said.
Praising the generosity and hospitality of the Baloch people, PM Sharif said the province’s history, culture and traditions made it unique. He recalled Punjab’s “historic sacrifice” in the 2010 NFC Award, emphasising that true federal spirit lay in mutual trust and brotherhood among provinces.
“All provinces are part of one family. We are Pakistanis first, and residents of our provinces later,” he said, adding that unity, love, and determination could pave the path of progress from Balochistan to Peshawar.
He also paid tribute to security forces for their numerous sacrifices in ensuring peace across the country.