PM Shahbaz Inaugurates N-25 Highway and Five Daanish Schools in Balochistan, Pledges Full Support for Province’s Development

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the foundation of the N-25 National Highway and five Daanish Schools in Balochistan, emphasizing that the province’s progress is integral to Pakistan’s overall development. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to providing all necessary resources to ensure Balochistan matches the growth of other provinces.

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister highlighted Balochistan’s strategic importance and the role of its people in the nation. He said, “The province voluntarily joined Pakistan, and its development is the responsibility of the entire country. Punjab contributes Rs 11 billion annually to Balochistan under the NFC framework, and equitable growth across all provinces is essential for national progress.”

Shahbaz Sharif condemned terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that external forces, particularly “Fitna-e-Hind,” are fueling unrest. He praised the armed forces for their sacrifices, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, and vowed, “Our army and security agencies will crush terrorism completely, and the blood of martyrs will not go in vain.”

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of additional Daanish Schools in southern Balochistan, with expanded laptop schemes and scholarships for students. “Education is the light of any society,” he said, highlighting that Balochistan students receive a 10% extra quota in educational programs. Last year, six hundred thousand laptops were distributed nationwide, including Balochistan.

On disaster relief, Shahbaz Sharif noted that 57,000 houses will be completed this year for flood victims, funded by a $112 billion World Bank grant, with the total target of 98,000 homes. For agricultural development, he stressed the urgency of completing the Kachhi Canal project, with Rs 50 billion already allocated for solar tube wells, and a final plan to be decided within four weeks.

Regarding the N-25 Highway and Pakistan Expressway projects, the Prime Minister was briefed that 40% of National Highway Authority (NHA) work is in Balochistan, with Rs 735 billion ongoing projects in the province. Shahbaz Sharif instructed strict adherence to quality standards and expedited completion of infrastructure projects, calling them “game changers” for connectivity and regional growth.

He concluded by saying that Pakistan’s future depends on collective progress: “If all provinces advance together, Pakistan will reclaim its lost stature.”