ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on ٖFriday reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring balanced development across all provinces of Pakistan, unveiling a series of multi-billion-rupee projects for Balochistan during a keynote address to participants of the Balochistan National Workshop in the capital.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan acknowledged that Balochistan’s development needs were formally recognised in the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, with all provinces of Pakistan, particularly Punjab, contributing to address the province’s requirements.
“A warm welcome to the proud and patriotic sons and daughters of #Balochistan in Islamabad. Islamabad belongs to all four provinces and stands as a symbol of Pakistan’s unity and shared national identity.”
— Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing participants of the… pic.twitter.com/5aM6wm0hNV
— Bilsum (بِلسم) (@auroraapricus) July 24, 2026
He disclosed that Punjab has so far contributed 150 billion rupees to support Balochistan’s development, assuring that the federal government of Pakistan would take every possible measure to accelerate progress in the province.
Pakistan prioritises Balochistan’s infrastructure, agriculture, and education
In a significant announcement, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that the federal government has approved the solarization of 27,000 agricultural tube-wells in Balochistan, a project worth 75 billion rupees, with the government of Pakistan already providing 50 billion rupees to kickstart the initiative.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan also provided a timeline for the long-awaited Karachi-Chaman expressway, stating that the 300-billion-rupee project would be completed within the next 18 to 24 months, promising to significantly boost connectivity and trade within Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the participants of National Workshop on Balochistan held in Islamabad on 24 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/LXv4xfhUWn
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 24, 2026
On the education front, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged full federal coordination with the Balochistan provincial government to expand learning opportunities for the province’s youth.
He announced that nine Daanish Schools, prestigious educational institutions known for providing quality education to underprivileged students across Pakistan, would be established in Balochistan, furthering the government’s push for educational equity.
Addressing the province’s pressing water scarcity issues, the Prime Minister of Pakistan noted that the federal budget has allocated 368 billion rupees for water storage projects across the country. He specifically ordered the acceleration of work on the Kachhi Canal project and called for it to be renamed the “Pakistan Canal” to reflect its national significance.
Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and path to economic progress
Turning to security matters, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the sacrifices of civilians and security personnel in Pakistan’s ongoing war against terrorism, vowing that Pakistan would rid itself of the menace through unified national efforts.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan directly accused India of sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan, reiterating concerns over cross-border interference. He also addressed Pakistan’s engagement with the Afghan interim government, stating that Islamabad has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to rein in terrorist groups and prevent their soil from being used to launch attacks on Pakistan. However, he expressed disappointment that Afghanistan had “so far failed” to deliver on these demands.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses National Workshop on Balochistan held in Islamabad on 24 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/x8pBHEWoF9
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 24, 2026
Despite these challenges, the Prime Minister of Pakistan struck an optimistic note about Pakistan’s standing on the world stage. He credited the nation’s decisive victory over India in May last year, alongside its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability, for significantly improving Pakistan’s international reputation.
“The time has come to take Pakistan forward on the path of economic development,” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared, urging all stakeholders to set aside differences and focus on building a prosperous future for the nation.
