Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Addresses Balochistan Grand Jirga in Quetta, Highlights National Unity and Military Victory

Quetta:Prime Minister **Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif** addressed the **Balochistan Grand Jirga** held in Quetta, where he was joined by **Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir**, **Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti**, and other senior officials.

During his speech, the Prime Minister declared that **“Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan,”** emphasizing a shared path toward **development, peace, and inclusivity**. Referring to the events of **May 6 and 7**, PM Shehbaz claimed that **India had launched an attack on Pakistan**, which was met with a **resolute and historic response by the Pakistan Armed Forces**. He credited **General Asim Munir’s bold and strategic leadership** for turning the tide in what he described as a “brief but dangerous war,” stating that it delivered a **memorable defeat to the adversary**, avenging the **1971 war**.

He thanked the people of Balochistan and other provinces for standing **shoulder-to-shoulder with the military**, and said that as Prime Minister he was an **eyewitness to every detail** of the conflict. He further reminded the audience of Pakistan’s **nuclear tests in 1998**, conducted in response to India’s tests, and attributed the strategic resolve to **former PM Nawaz Sharif**.

PM Shehbaz also recalled **Balochistan’s historic role** in joining Pakistan under **Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s leadership**, emphasizing that any grievances should be addressed **as brothers, through dialogue**.

Condemning terrorism, he described terrorists as “**bloodthirsty agents of foreign powers**” who fear Pakistan’s development. He urged the people to **defeat their tactics** and said the federal government is willing to **resolve internal issues through consultation**.

He also spoke on **economic matters**, recalling that **Punjab had contributed Rs. 11 billion from its NFC Award share** to meet Balochistan’s demand for increased funding in 2010. He stated that **Rs. 250 billion** from a **Rs. 1,000 billion development budget** has been allocated to Balochistan, and emphasized that **these funds must be used transparently**.

Highlighting recent initiatives, the Prime Minister noted a **Rs. 1.5 billion allocation**—resulting from a **Rs. 10 reduction in fuel prices**—for upgrading the **N-25 highway**, also known as the **“bloody highway”** due to its accident history.

He concluded by acknowledging Balochistan’s **vast geography**, noting that **billions would be required** to bridge its physical distances and unlock its full economic potential, and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to development and integration of the province.