Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the importance of national cohesion in tackling terrorism and ensuring Pakistan’s stability and prosperity, stressing that political divisions must not interfere with matters of national interest.
During a special visit to Quetta on Monday, the prime minister chaired a meeting on the law and order situation in Balochistan. He reiterated the need for political unity in the face of challenges, particularly in combating terrorism.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic Kalat incident, where 18 soldiers lost their lives and 23 terrorists were eliminated, the prime minister acknowledged the resurgence of terrorism and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s security forces. He assured that under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Pakistan’s armed forces would continue their relentless efforts to bring peace to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, crucial for the country’s development.
PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the unwavering morale and dedication of security personnel, highlighting their commitment to defending the nation. He extended his solidarity to the families of the martyrs, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made for the country’s security.
During a visit to CMH, the prime minister met with injured soldiers and observed their strong resolve. Many of them, despite their injuries, expressed no regrets and affirmed their willingness to continue sacrificing for the nation if needed.
He condemned terrorist elements for obstructing Balochistan’s progress, emphasizing that they oppose the region’s development, education, and employment opportunities. The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing Balochistan’s growth through initiatives such as the Youth Program and the Laptop Scheme, along with special training quotas for Baloch students in China’s agricultural programs.
Despite security challenges, he stressed that efforts to uplift Balochistan would continue. He pointed to projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the operationalization of Gwadar Airport, and the role of Gwadar Port in enhancing trade links between Pakistan, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and several other high-ranking federal and provincial officials.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the significant drop in inflation, which reached a nine-year low of 2.4% in January. He noted that inflation had decreased from 28.73% at the start of 2024 to 4.1% in December, and further declined in early 2025. This reduction, he said, was a direct result of the government’s effective economic policies, contributing to improved living standards for citizens. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing efforts to control inflation and drive economic growth.
Meanwhile, the prime minister strongly condemned two separate attacks on polio vaccination teams in Bakrabad and Jamrud, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Expressing sorrow over the loss of police personnel assigned to protect the polio workers, he extended his condolences to their families.
He acknowledged the bravery of polio workers and security forces, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not be in vain. Despite these challenges, he vowed that the polio eradication campaign would continue with full determination, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating the disease from Pakistan.
