Balanced Development Across Balochistan Is Government’s Top Priority: Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi
Quetta:Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Mir Zahoor Buledi, has reiterated that the Balochistan government is committed to ensuring equal and balanced development across all divisions and districts of the province, regardless of language or political considerations.
Responding to a question in the provincial assembly, the minister emphasized that the government’s development agenda stretches from Zhob and Sherani to Turbat and Gwadar, and from Naseerabad and Dera Bugti to Khuzdar, Chagai, Hub, Bela, Qalat, and Loralai. *“For us, it is a matter of principle that development should not be sacrificed at the altar of linguistic or political biases, as this would be an injustice to the people of the province,”* Buledi stated.
He added that development projects benefit the entire province, not just the district in which they are executed. Citing examples, he mentioned the Chaman–Quetta–Khuzdar–Bela Road, Quetta–Loralai Road, Turbat–Quetta Highway, Gwadar–Hub Highway, and Quetta–Sibi Highway as major projects connecting the province.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Buledi pointed out the construction of the Fish Landing Jetty in Gwadar, the cemented irrigation system in Naseerabad Division, the Badini Terminal and apple processing plants in Qilla Saifullah as practical examples of need-based projects guided by feasibility.
Rejecting any notion of ethnic politics, the minister said: *“Neither the Chief Minister, nor I, nor any member of the cabinet believes in linguistic divisions. Balochistan is our shared home, where Baloch, Pashtun, Sindhi, Hazara, Saraiki, Punjabi and other communities have lived together for centuries, sharing each other’s joys and sorrows.”*
He concluded by stressing that people have already rejected those exploiting ethnic politics. *“Now is the time to rise above linguistic and regional prejudices and think solely as Pakistanis, focusing only on the progress of Balochistan. This approach will ensure balanced development across all parts of the province.”*
