Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Affirms Government Commitment to Provincial Development

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government's dedication to fostering development across all provinces during a National Assembly session held on Saturday. These remarks were made a day after the proposed federal budget for the fiscal year 2027 was presented.

Sharif acknowledged criticism from Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who had spoken extensively on the country's law and order situation and expressed concerns over the government's decision to freeze development allocations for the provinces. Achakzai contended that such a move could negatively impact provincial health and social sectors. The Prime Minister indicated he would provide a "detailed response" to this criticism at a later, "appropriate time."

Emphasizing the importance of national unity, Prime Minister Sharif stated that the existence of Pakistan relies on the collective efforts of its representatives. He affirmed the right of provinces to their financial resources, recalling Achakzai’s assertion on this matter.

Sharif highlighted various development initiatives undertaken in Balochistan, noting that these projects were not carried out due to external demands but as a prime ministerial responsibility to ensure all four provinces progress equally. He referenced the shares of Balochistan's population in the Reko Diq project and the doubling of the province's share in the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Additionally, he mentioned the distribution of solar panels to Balochistan's farmers and the ongoing construction of a road connecting Chaman to Gwadar. The Prime Minister stressed that financial and social justice are crucial for the functioning of any system.

(Source: Dawn Pakistan)