By Uzma Ehtasham
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Balochistan was more than a standard political engagement; it was a carefully timed affirmation of national unity, designed to send a clear message that the province and the federation are inseparable. In a country often marked by regional disparities and socio-economic tensions, the visit was a symbolic as well as practical gesture, aimed at reassuring the people of Balochistan that their needs, aspirations, and rights are central to Pakistan’s broader development agenda. Addressing the province’s long-standing grievances, the prime minister underscored that Pakistan is a shared homeland, and that its progress depends on solidarity, mutual support, and equitable attention to all its citizens, regardless of geography.
Central to the visit were initiatives intended to address both immediate requirements and long-term development goals. Education emerged as a key focus, particularly through the expansion of the “Danish Schools” model, which had previously been introduced in Punjab with notable success. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that thousands of graduates from these schools had gone on to become doctors, engineers, and other professionals, and had represented Pakistan successfully in international debates and competitions in Europe and the United States. In Balochistan, foundation stones were laid for five new Danish Schools in Dera Bugti, Sibi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, and Sohbatpur, with plans for further expansion in phased stages.
The prime minister framed these investments as tools not merely for literacy but for equipping the youth with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to national life, and to ensure that the province’s next generation is prepared to participate fully in Pakistan’s socio-economic and intellectual development. Infrastructure development also formed a central theme of the prime minister’s agenda. The inauguration of the Pakistan Expressway 25 project was presented as emblematic of both ambition and national cohesion. Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the challenges of such large-scale undertakings, describing them as demanding yet achievable, and framed the labor invested in these projects as both a worldly duty and a spiritual endeavor.
The expressway, he suggested, is not simply a road but a conduit for connectivity, economic activity, and integration, linking remote areas of Balochistan with the rest of the country. In doing so, the prime minister reinforced the idea that equitable development across all four provinces is essential to Pakistan’s growth and stability. Humanitarian concerns, particularly in the wake of natural disasters, were another crucial aspect of the visit. The prime minister drew attention to the continuing reconstruction efforts following the catastrophic floods of 2022, noting that 57,000 homes are expected to be completed for flood victims within the current year. He also announced a second phase, which would bring the total number of rebuilt houses to 98,000.
Support from international institutions, such as the World Bank, has been integral to these efforts, with 112 billion rupees allocated for relief distribution. Complementing these measures, a solar tube well project has been launched with 50 billion rupees in federal funding, aimed at addressing chronic water shortages and supporting sustainable development across the province. These interventions signal a dual focus: addressing urgent humanitarian needs while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability and environmental resilience. Agriculture, a sector central to Balochistan’s economy, was given particular emphasis during the prime minister’s tour. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the Kacchi Canal, describing it as a critical project for unlocking the province’s farming potential.
PM pledged that 40 billion rupees would be mobilized promptly and promised that a definitive plan would be finalized within four weeks. The canal, he explained, represents not only vital infrastructure but also a tangible commitment to empowering local communities and supporting livelihoods. By investing in agricultural irrigation and water management, the government seeks to address structural inequities and foster economic self-sufficiency in one of Pakistan’s most resource-challenged regions. Taken together, these initiatives reflect a vision of inclusive progress, in which Balochistan’s prosperity is inseparable from the nation’s overall growth. Education, infrastructure, and humanitarian relief are being addressed in tandem, rather than in isolation, creating a comprehensive roadmap aimed at not merely rebuilding the province but empowering it.
The prime minister’s speeches and actions conveyed a consistent narrative: marginalized regions must be integrated into the national economy, given equal opportunities, and supported with both immediate relief and sustainable development initiatives. By prioritizing long-term investments alongside emergency assistance, the federal government is signaling that it sees Balochistan not as a peripheral concern, but as a central pillar of Pakistan’s future. Shehbaz Sharif’s visit also carried an important symbolic weight. In a country where regional identities are strong and grievances over neglect run deep, such visits are critical in cultivating trust, demonstrating accountability, and reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to inclusivity.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
