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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM amenable to talks with 'misled people' in Balochistan
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he is willing to sit across the table with "those who have been misled ... who have been led astray" in Balochistan, as he pledged to deliver "social and economic justice" to the people of the province, which has been trapped in a spiral of deadly violence since 2006. "We must strive to win back the people who were misled [by terrorists] onto the wrong track. If there are any grievances, they should be resolved through dialogue in the spirit of brotherhood," he said, referring to chronic concerns in the dirt-poor province that have been exploited by Baloch terrorist groups to promote their violent narrative. The prime minister was addressing a grand jirga in Quetta on Saturday, which brought together tribal elders, lawmakers and key stakeholders for consultations focused on security and development. Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan's Acting Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and high-ranking military and civil officials were also present. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received, the prime minister described Balochistan as "a beautiful province of brave people and the heart of Pakistan". Terrorist violence has surged in recent months, which civil and military officials have attributed to Indian interference. "The bloodthirsty terrorists, who are against the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, are carrying out heinous acts of terrorism at the behest of foreign elements," the premier said, alluding to India. "They must be stopped. We all must defeat their nefarious designs. If there are shortcomings in our response, these could be addressed with your guidance," he told the jirga participants. He reiterated that "all provinces are like brothers and will equally share the resources of the country," adding that the federal government was allocating Rs70 billion for a solarisation project in Balochistan. Similarly, Rs150 billion will be directed towards the construction of the N-25 highway, commonly referred to as the "bloody highway" due to its perilous condition. The funds will be drawn from the amount being saved after the drop in international petroleum prices. The prime minister further announced that Rs1,000 billion will be allocated to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) this year, with 25 per cent — or Rs250 billion — earmarked for Balochistan. He assured that every penny of the share, which he termed the "right of the people of Balochistan," would be spent transparently for the province's progress and prosperity. The prime minister also recalled that Punjab had agreed to give part of its share from the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to Balochistan in view of its development needs, as the province is the largest in terms of area. "In today's value, the funds diverted to Balochistan amount to Rs160 billion," he explained. The NFC award was signed in Lahore in 2010 after three days of discussions among the national leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Nawaz Sharif, he added. He said that during Nawaz Sharif's tenure as prime minister, many development projects were undertaken in Balochistan and President Zardari had initiated the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package. Talking about the recent conflict with India, Premier Shehbaz said that on the nights between May 6 and 7 and May 10, India attacked Pakistan, but with the grace of Allah, the armed forces bravely defeated the enemy, who will remember its defeat forever. He thanked the people of Pakistan for showing unity and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Army during the conflict. "As the prime minister, I was witness to all the events of the short-duration war," he said, adding that "as a brave and sagacious leader, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir led Pakistan armed forces to a victory against India and made the nation proud." He said that the triumph over India was akin to avenging the events of 1971. "Now the enemy is scared and Pakistan's friendly countries are more confident after Pakistan's military victory over India," he claimed.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM amenable to dialogue with ‘misled people' in Balochistan
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is willing to sit across the table with 'those who have been misled… who have been led astray' in Balochistan as he promised 'social and economic justice' to the people of the impoverished province which has been caught up in a spiral of deadly violence since 2006. 'We must strive to win back the people who were misled [by terrorists] to the wrong track. If there are any grievances, they should be resolved through dialogue in the spirit of brotherhood,' he said while referring to chronic grievances in the dirt-poor province which have been exploited by Baloch terrorist groups to promote their violent narrative. The prime minister was addressing a grand jirga in Quetta on Saturday which brought together tribal elders, lawmakers, and key stakeholders for consultations aimed at resolving long-standing issues, particularly those related to security and development. Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, Baochistan's Acting Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and high ranking military and civil officials were also in attendance. کوئٹہ: وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا بلوچستان گرینڈ جرگہ سے خطاب! — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 31, 2025 Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received at the jirga, the prime minister described Balochistan as 'a beautiful province of brave people and the heart of Pakistan.' There has been an uptick in terrorist violence in the province which civil and military officials have blamed on India. 'The bloodthirsty terrorists, who are against the progress prosperity of Pakistan, are carrying out heinous acts of terrorism at the behest of foreign elements,' Premier Shehbaz said while referring to India. 'They must be stopped. We all must defeat their nefarious designs. If there are shortcomings in our response, these could be addressed with your guidance,' he told the jirga participants. 'All provinces are like brothers and will equally share resources of the country,' PM Shehbaz said, adding that the federal government was spending Rs70 billion on a solarisation project in Balochistan. Similarly, Rs150 billion would be diverted for building N25 highway, which is commonly referred to as the 'bloody highway' due to its precarious condition. Money for these projects would be acquired from the amount which the government was collecting after the drop in the prices of petroleum products in the international market. Prime Minister @CMShehbaz has called upon all stakeholders in Balochistan to join hands with the government and armed forces of Pakistan for lasting peace and prosperity in the province@dpr_gob @PakPMO #RadioPakistan #News — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 31, 2025 The prime minister said that the government would allocate Rs1,000 billion for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) this year and 25 per cent, or Rs250 billion, from the fund would be for projects in Balochistan. He said federal funds were the right of people of Balochistan and every penny would be spent transparently on the progress and prosperity of the province. He recalled that during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab, he had allocated 10 per cent quota for students of Balochistan in different schemes of Punjab, including laptop schemes and scholarships in foreign and provincial educational institutions. In the past, Rs2 billion was allocated for a cardiac hospital in Balochistan, he added. The prime minister also recalled that Punjab had agreed to give part of its share from the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to Balochistan in view of its development needs as the province is the largest in terms of area. 'In today's value, the funds diverted to Balochistan amount to Rs160 billion,' he explained. Read More: PM Shehbaz 'ready for talks' with India on water, trade The NFC award was signed in Lahore in 2010 after three days of discussions among the national leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Nawaz Sharif, he added. He said that during Nawaz Sharif's tenure as prime minister a lot of development projects were undertaken in Balochistan and President Zardari had initiated Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package. Talking about the recent conflict with India, Premier Shehbaz said that on the night between May 6 and 7 and May 10 India attacked Pakistan but with the grace of Allah, the armed forces bravely defeated the enemy, who will remember its defeat forever. He thanked people of Pakistan for showing unity and standing shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan Army during the conflict. Read More: India's 'hydro terrorism' untenable: COAS 'As the prime minister I was witness to all the events of the short duration war,' he said, adding that 'as a brave and sagacious leader Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir led Pakistan armed forces to a victory against India and made the nation proud.' He said that the triumph over India was akin to avenging the events of 1971. 'Now the enemy is scared and Pakistan's friendly countries are more confident after Pakistan's military victory over India,' he claimed.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Issues of Balochistan to be resolved amicably: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the issues faced by the people of Balochistan would be resolved amicably and funds would be made available for the development and progress of the largest province. Addressing a grand jirga of Balochistan, he said the four provinces were like brothers and would equally share resources of the country. The federal government was spending Rs70 billion on the solarisation project in Balochistan, he said, adding Rs150 billion would be diverted for the building of highway N25 in Balochistan. India has intensified 'terrorism campaign' inside Pakistan through proxies, says PM Shehbaz The funds would be acquired from the amount, which the government was collecting after the lowering down of prices of petroleum products in the international market. The prime minister said the government would allocate Rs1,000 billion for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) this year and 25% or Rs250 billion from the fund would be for projects in Balochistan. He said federal funds were the right of people of Balochistan and every penny would be spent transparently on the progress and prosperity of the province.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
PM Modi Begins 2-Day Tour Of Sikkim, Bihar, West Bengal, UP
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day tour of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh on May 29 and 30. During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs70,000 crore. In a social media post announcing his visit on Wednesday, PM Modi said, "Over the next two days, I will be attending programmes in Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The development works that will commence over the next two days will bring innumerable benefits for people and strengthen our resolve to build a Viksit Bharat." It is always a delight to be among the people of West Bengal. At a programme in Alipurduar in the afternoon tomorrow, 29th May, the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts will be laid. This will benefit several… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2025 The Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project for Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts on Thursday. The Rs 1,010 crore project will supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households, more than 100 commercial establishments and industries, and establish around 19 CNG stations. It is always a delight to be among the people of West Bengal. At a programme in Alipurduar in the afternoon tomorrow, 29th May, the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts will be laid. This will benefit several… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2025 "It is always a delight to be among the people of West Bengal. At a programme in Alipurduar in the afternoon tomorrow, 29th May, the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts will be laid. This will benefit several households, improve the environment and provide job opportunities for people," the post reads. PM Modi will address the BJP West Bengal public meeting in Alipurduar, "I will be addressing a BJP West Bengal public meeting in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon. Over the last decade, the various schemes of the NDA Government have been greatly appreciated by the people of West Bengal. At the same time, they are tired of the corruption and poor administration of the TMC," the post further reads. I will be addressing a BJP West Bengal public meeting in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon. Over the last decade, the various schemes of the NDA Government have been greatly appreciated by the people of West Bengal. At the same time, they are tired of the corruption and poor… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2025 PM Modi will also inaugurate Patna Airport's new passenger terminal. Built at a cost of around Rs 1,200 crore, the terminal will cater to one crore passengers annually. He will also lay the foundation stone of the new civil enclave at Bihta Airport, a Rs 1,410 crore project aimed at serving the rapidly expanding educational and residential areas near Patna. Tomorrow, 29th May is a landmark day for the people of Bihar and Patna in particular. This great city will get a new passenger terminal which can handle bigger volumes of traffic. The people of Bihar have been waiting for this for many years. The foundation stone for a new civil… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2025 "Tomorrow, 29th May is a landmark day for the people of Bihar and Patna in particular. This great city will get a new passenger terminal which can handle bigger volumes of traffic. The people of Bihar have been waiting for this for many years. The foundation stone for a new civil enclave of Bihta Airport will also be laid. These initiatives will lead to better connectivity and will boost commerce," the post stated.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi to launch development projects worth over Rs70,000 crore across four states
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh on May 29 and 30, during which he will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs70,000 crore, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Wednesday. On May 29, the Prime Minister will begin his visit in Sikkim, where he will participate in the 'Sikkim@50: Where Progress meets purpose and nature nurtures growth' programme at around 11 AM. The event commemorates 50 years of Sikkim's statehood, with the state government launching a year-long celebration under the theme 'Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim,' highlighting its rich cultural and natural heritage. During the programme, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several key projects including a new 500-bedded district hospital in Namchi district worth over Rs750 crore, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling, Gyalshing district, and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok district. He will also release a commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and postal stamp to mark the golden jubilee of Sikkim's statehood. Later in the day, at around 2:15 PM, the Prime Minister will arrive in Alipurduar, West Bengal, to lay the foundation stone of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project for Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. The Rs1,010 crore project will supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households, more than 100 commercial establishments and industries, and establish around 19 CNG stations. It is expected to generate employment and promote clean energy in the region. At around 5:45 PM, PM Modi will reach Bihar to inaugurate the new passenger terminal of Patna Airport. Built at a cost of around Rs1,200 crore, the terminal will cater to one crore passengers annually. He will also lay the foundation stone of the new civil enclave at Bihta Airport, a Rs1,410 crore project aimed at serving the rapidly expanding educational and residential areas near Patna. On May 30, the Prime Minister will visit Karakat in Bihar, where he will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs48,520 crore. A major highlight is the foundation stone laying for Stage-II (3x800 MW) of the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project in Aurangabad district, valued at over Rs29,930 crore. The project is expected to significantly boost electricity generation, industrial development, and employment in the region. PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for key road infrastructure initiatives, including the four-laning of the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram section of NH-119A, six-laning of the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata highway (NH-319B), the Ramnagar-Kacchi Dargah stretch (NH-119D), and a new Ganga bridge between Buxar and Bharauli. In addition, he will inaugurate the four-laning of the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi section of NH-22 and road upgrades at Gopalganj Town on NH-27. In the rail sector, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the third rail line between Son Nagar and Mohammad Ganj, constructed at a cost of over Rs1,330 crore, aimed at enhancing rail capacity and regional connectivity. Later that day, at around 2:45 PM, the Prime Minister will arrive in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate development projects worth around Rs20,900 crore. He will inaugurate the Chunniganj to Kanpur Central Metro section of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project, worth over Rs2,120 crore. The corridor includes 14 stations, with five underground, aimed at improving urban mobility. To further strengthen the region's power infrastructure, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of a 220 kV substation in Sector 28 under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) in Gautam Buddh Nagar, and inaugurate 132 kV substations in Ecotech-8 and Ecotech-10 in Greater Noida, together worth over Rs320 crore. He will also inaugurate the Rs8,300 crore, 660 MW Panki Thermal Power Extension Project in Kanpur and three 660 MW units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project worth Rs9,330 crore, significantly boosting power generation in the state. Additionally, PM Modi will inaugurate rail overbridges at Panki Power House Railway Crossing and Panki Dham Crossing on Panki Road, along with a 40 MLD Tertiary Treatment Plant at Bingawan, Kanpur, built at a cost of over Rs290 crore. The plant will facilitate sewage water treatment and reuse, promoting sustainable water management. To improve connectivity in the region, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the widening of Gauria Pali Marg and the construction of a four-lane road connecting Narwal Mode on Prayagraj Highway to the Kanpur Defence Node under the Defence Corridor project. During the Kanpur event, the Prime Minister will also distribute certificates and cheques to beneficiaries of key government schemes, including PM Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, National Livelihood Mission, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The two-day visit underscores the government's focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and regional development. (ANI)
