QUETTA, Pakistan: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced various measures to empower youth of the southwestern Balochistan province, saying the government was expanding educational, vocational and employment opportunities to steer youth toward “positive activities”.
Chairing a meeting of the provincial apex committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta, Prime Minister Sharif said the federal government was working to effectively integrate and empower Balochistan’s youth into national development through education, vocational and technical training, employment generation, promotion of sports and youth programs, scholarships, digital skills training, and involving young people in the decision-making process, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Sharif further stated that special attention is being given to development projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and communications sectors in Balochistan to provide youth with better facilities and equal opportunities for progress.
“The government is also striving to create opportunities for young people to play an active role in national development through constructive engagement and effective inclusion,” the prime minister said.
کوئٹہ: 19 مئی 2026۔
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے کوئٹہ میں نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی صوبائی ایپکس کمیٹی کے اجلاس کی صدارت کی.
اجلاس میں وزیراعظم کو بلوچستان میں سیکیورٹی، ترقیاتی منصوبوں کی پیشرفت، منصوبہ بندی اور دیگر امور پر بریفنگ دی گئی.
وزیراعظم نے بلوچستان اور باقی ملک میں… pic.twitter.com/2Dbc8qzCr0
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 19, 2026
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials of relevant institutions, the PM office statement added.
Development schemes in Balochistan
The meeting was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on counterterrorism measures, governance reforms, digitisation initiatives, steps toward a cashless economy, and other matters.
According to the briefing, all institutions are actively working toward the complete elimination of terrorism.
The briefing further noted that work is ongoing on youth welfare initiatives, including youth skills programs and other development schemes in Balochistan.
The meeting was informed that not a single polio case has been reported in the province since November 2024.
The briefing stated that several healthcare projects, including a cancer institute, dialysis centre, trauma centre, and other health sector facilities, have become operational, while work on additional projects is underway.
The participants were informed that 99 percent of schools in Balochistan are currently open and educational activities are continuing.
The briefing also highlighted that more than 15,000 households in Balochistan have benefited from the solar energy project, resulting in reported savings of approximately Rs105 billion so far.
Counterterrorism operations in Balochistan
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, planning initiatives, and other related matters.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their efforts in counterterrorism operations in Balochistan and across the country.
The Prime Minister also appreciated Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his team for undertaking multiple public welfare initiatives in Balochistan.
Prime Minister Sharif directed the deployment of Frontier Corps personnel in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division.
The Prime Minister stated that this measure would help establish a security corridor for the protection of mineral resources in Balochistan.
The security corridor will include additional Frontier Corps wings, security check posts along highways, surveillance grids, and border posts.
“Pakistan is rich in natural resources, particularly minerals,” the Prime Minister said.
He emphasised that providing a secure environment in Balochistan is essential for maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects in the country.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Balochistan government’s efforts to ensure transparency and merit in appointments within the district administration.
He remarked that advanced training and modern technology for police and other law enforcement agencies are crucial for the complete eradication of terrorism.
