QUETTA, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to deploy the Frontier Corps (FC) in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division to establish a dedicated security corridor aimed at protecting the province’s mineral resources and related economic activities.
The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta, where he was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, governance reforms, and counter-terrorism measures, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
During the meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the armed forces for their efforts in combating terrorism in Balochistan and across the country. He also appreciated Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his team for undertaking multiple public welfare initiatives in the province.
He said the corridor would include additional FC wings, highway security check posts, surveillance grids, and border posts to strengthen security infrastructure in the region.
“Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, especially minerals,” the prime minister said, adding that ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan was essential for maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the Balochistan government for maintaining transparency and merit in appointments within the district administration.
Highlighting the importance of modern policing and law enforcement, he said that advanced training and the adoption of new technologies were vital for police and other security forces to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism.
The prime minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to integrating Balochistan’s youth into the national mainstream through educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, employment initiatives, scholarships, digital skills programs, sports activities and greater participation in decision-making processes.
He noted that special attention was being given to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and communication projects in Balochistan to provide equal development opportunities and better facilities for young people.
The officials, while briefing the meeting, said that all institutions were actively engaged in efforts to eradicate terrorism completely. They also informed the participants that youth welfare projects, including skills development programs were progressing in the province.
The briefing further revealed that no polio case had been reported in Balochistan since November 2024. Several healthcare projects, including a cancer institute, dialysis centers, and trauma centers, had become operational, while work on additional facilities was underway.
The officials said that 99 percent of schools in Balochistan were currently open and educational activities were continuing uninterrupted. They also highlighted the success of a solar energy initiative that had benefited more than 15,000 households, resulting in reported savings of approximately Rs105 billion so far.
The meeting was attended by Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
