ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation, progress on development projects and governance-related matters in Balochistan.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on counter-terrorism measures, development initiatives, digitization, governance reforms and efforts aimed at promoting a cashless economy in the province.
The prime minister paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Army for their efforts in combating terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of the country.
He also appreciated Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and his team for steps taken for public welfare and improving governance in the province.
FC deployment in Rakhshan Division
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to deploy the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan Division of Balochistan to strengthen security measures.
According to the prime minister, the move would help establish a security corridor for the protection of mineral resources and related projects in the province.
The proposed security corridor will include additional Frontier Corps wings, highway security checkpoints, surveillance grids and border posts.
The prime minister said Pakistan was rich in natural resources, particularly minerals, adding that providing a safe environment in Balochistan was essential to maintain the confidence of local and international companies involved in mineral-related projects.
Focus on youth and development
The meeting was informed that various initiatives are underway to integrate the youth of Balochistan into the national mainstream through education, technical training, employment opportunities, sports programmes, scholarships and digital skills training.
The prime minister said special attention was being given to infrastructure, education, health and communication projects to ensure equal development opportunities for the youth of the province.
Officials also briefed the meeting that work was progressing on youth welfare projects, including the Youth Skills Programme.
Health and education updates
The meeting was informed that no polio case had been reported in Balochistan since November 2024.
Officials said several healthcare projects, including a Cancer Institute, Dialysis Centre and Trauma Centre, had been activated, while work on additional facilities was underway.
The briefing further stated that 99 percent of schools in the province were currently open and educational activities were continuing.
Authorities also informed the meeting that a solar energy project had benefited more than 15,000 households in Balochistan, resulting in reported savings of around Rs105 billion.
The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, security officials and other government representatives.
