PM urges collective efforts to reintegrate 'misguided' people into national mainstream

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a visit to Quetta on Saturday, emphasized the importance of collective and sincere efforts to reintegrate “misguided” individuals into the national mainstream.

Speaking at a grand Jirga, the prime minister acknowledged local grievances and called for unity to overcome extremism. “Your concerns are fully respected,” he said. “But these terrorists know nothing but brutality — and such violence cannot be tolerated.”

He urged reconciliation through open dialogue. “Let us sit together as brothers. A strong and prosperous family is built on unity and conversation,” he added. He warned that terrorists were working against Pakistan’s progress and called on the people to reject their malicious agendas.

Highlighting federal support for Balochistan, he stated that Punjab had contributed Rs11 billion from its own share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) to assist the province. “Out of the Rs1,000 billion national development budget, Rs250 billion has been allocated to Balochistan,” he said, adding that financial aid was also being provided to help farmers transition to solar energy.

Referring to the Karachi-Quetta highway, he described it as a "bloody highway" due to past neglect and accidents, and assured that funds were now being released for its reconstruction.

In a significant announcement, PM Shehbaz revealed that 25% of the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget would be dedicated to Balochistan. He also promised the distribution of laptops to students in the province to support education and digital inclusion.

Earlier in the day, addressing officers at the Command and Staff College in Quetta, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty. He asserted that India would not be allowed to unilaterally suspend the treaty, declaring that water cannot be used as a weapon.

He condemned India’s repeated provocations, including the misuse of incidents like Pahalgam as pretexts for aggression. “Pakistan responded decisively — both diplomatically and on the battlefield,” he said.

Praising the armed forces, the prime minister lauded the Pakistan Air Force for downing Indian jets and targeting high-value enemy assets. “Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar demonstrated exceptional leadership, while Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir delivered a historic military victory — a moment that solidified his stature as a deserving Field Marshal,” he stated.

He reaffirmed that the government and people of Pakistan stand united with the armed forces in defending the country’s sovereignty.

Welcoming foreign guests at the military institution, PM Shehbaz said their presence reflected Pakistan’s strong international partnerships. He also commended the Command and Staff College for its vital role in shaping the country’s military leadership.

Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Quetta for a day-long visit and was received by Acting Governor and Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, along with Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.