21st “Hardening of the State” Conference Reviews Joint Efforts of Federal and Provincial Institutions, Reaffirms Commitment to a Brighter Future for Balochistan

Quetta: The 21st meeting of the State Defensive Conference, also known as the “Hardening of the State Conference,” was held in Quetta under the chairmanship of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Corps Commander Balochistan Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the conference has been held regularly for the past one and a half years and has emerged as an effective platform for ensuring peace and stability in the province. He explained that the meeting, convened approximately every 21 days, primarily aims to review progress on the implementation of decisions taken in previous conferences.

Representatives of federal and provincial institutions and departments, along with security forces including the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Pakistan Coast Guards, attended the meeting. Special focus was placed on anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics operations across the province, with participants emphasizing the need to further intensify action against these illegal activities. Satisfaction was also expressed over the progress of the “B-Areas to A-Areas Conversion” initiative.

The meeting stressed making every possible effort to ensure the effectiveness of this strategy across all divisions of the province so that development benefits reach every region and an environment of peace and prosperity is strengthened.

Participants also held detailed discussions on the overall security situation in the province, the progress of development projects, and public welfare initiatives. The meeting reaffirmed the resolve to continue implementing effective strategies to secure a prosperous and stable future for Balochistan.