Quetta, May 19, 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP) in Quetta today. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the overall security situation in Balochistan, progress on counterterrorism measures, development projects, governance reforms, digitization initiatives, efforts toward a cashless economy, and other key matters.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Armed Forces of Pakistan for their unwavering efforts and sacrifices in combating terrorism across Balochistan and the rest of the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his team for undertaking multiple public welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Balochistan. The Prime Minister directed the deployment of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division to establish a dedicated security corridor for the protection of mineral resources and mining-related projects.
The proposed security corridor will include additional FC wings, highway security checkpoints, surveillance grids, border posts, and other security arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth operation of economic activities in the region. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly minerals, and stated that ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan is essential for maintaining the confidence of local and international companies involved in mining and resource development projects. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the Government of Balochistan for maintaining transparency and merit in appointments within the district administration.
The Prime Minister highlighted that advanced training and the adoption of modern technologies by police and law enforcement agencies are vital for the complete eradication of terrorism. He further stated that the Government of Pakistan is taking comprehensive measures to effectively integrate and empower the youth of Balochistan by expanding educational opportunities, promoting technical and vocational training, creating employment opportunities, encouraging sports and youth engagement programs, offering scholarships, enhancing digital skills training, and ensuring youth participation in decision-making processes.
The Prime Minister noted that special attention is being given to development projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and communications sectors across Balochistan to provide equal opportunities and improved facilities for the youth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructive engagement with young people and enabling them to play an active role in national development. During the briefing, participants were informed that all relevant institutions remain fully engaged in efforts to eliminate terrorism. Officials also briefed the meeting on ongoing youth welfare projects, including youth skills development programs. The meeting was informed that not a single polio case has been reported in Balochistan since November 2024.
Participants were further informed that several major healthcare initiatives, including a Cancer Institute, Dialysis Centers, Trauma Centers, and other health sector projects, have become operational, while work on additional facilities is underway. The briefing highlighted that 99 percent of schools across Balochistan are currently open and educational activities are continuing uninterrupted.
The meeting was also informed that the solar energy project in Balochistan has benefited more than 15,000 households and has so far generated estimated savings of approximately Rs. 105 billion. The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials from relevant institutions.