Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for a grand dialogue to address the issues facing Balochistan, claiming the government is ready to listen to and resolve genuine grievances.
Addressing participants of the Balochistan National Workshop in Islamabad, he said all genuine grievances could be resolved through peaceful and civilized means. Those willing to abandon violence and return to the right path should be welcomed, he said.
He also highlighted the importance of Gwadar Port, saying Balochistan’s development is essential for Pakistan’s overall progress.
According to the prime minister, the federal government contributed Rs. 40 billion to a Rs. 70 billion project for the solarization of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan under which over 20,000 tube wells in the province had already been converted to solar power.
Recalling the 2010 National Finance Commission discussions, he said all four provinces had agreed to enhance funding for the province. Since then, he said, Punjab had contributed Rs. 11 billion annually, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among the provinces.
Sharif said 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.
Noting Balochistan has vast mineral and natural resources, he emphasized that these assets primarily belonged to the people of the province and must be developed through cooperation between the federal and provincial governments. He said the people of Balochistan should be the primary beneficiaries of the province’s natural wealth, followed by the people of Pakistan.
The prime minister acknowledged that Balochistan faces genuine challenges, particularly due to its vast geographical area, creating 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.