Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasir Friday said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is deeply committed to the development and prosperity of Balochistan and the elimination of backwardness from the province, and is taking practical steps towards achieving this objective.
During a meeting with former Chief Minister of Punjab and senior Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Muhammad Hamza Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, he observed that Balochistan possesses enormous economic potential in the form of natural resources, mineral reserves and agricultural opportunities, which, if effectively utilised, could transform its economic landscape and improve the living standards of its people. The overall political situation, national and parliamentary affairs, development of Balochistan, economic challenges, employment opportunities for the youth and various government initiatives aimed at national prosperity came under discussion.
The Deputy Chairman Senate paid tribute to Hamza Shehbaz Sharif for his political contributions, public service and longstanding commitment to democratic and parliamentary politics.
He appreciated his experience and services during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab and expressed confidence that his newly entrusted responsibility at the federal level would further strengthen coordination between the government, parliamentarians and political stakeholders, contributing towards effective governance and resolution of public issues.
The Deputy Chairman Senate appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for the development of Balochistan, stating that these measures reflected the government’s commitment to providing the province with equal opportunities for progress.
He particularly highlighted the establishment of Danish Schools in various districts of Balochistan, describing it as an important step towards providing quality education to children from underprivileged and remote areas.
He said that these institutions would help bridge educational disparities, empower the younger generation and enable them to play a meaningful role in national development. Highlighting the importance of agriculture in Balochistan’s economy, Syedaal Khan Nasir appreciated the provincial government’s initiatives for the welfare of farmers, particularly the Green Tractor Scheme introduced with a 50 per cent subsidy to facilitate farmers and promote agricultural mechanisation. He also recalled Federal and Provincial Government’s initiative for Balochistan’s farmer’s welfare in past. He said that these initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, improving productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
He observed that such measures were contributing towards economic stability and creating better opportunities for the farming community.
The Deputy Chairman Senate also appreciated the Federal Government’s recent initiatives to create employment opportunities for the youth of Balochistan through dedicated recruitment opportunities and provincial quota-based vacancies in federal institutions.
He said that providing meaningful employment to the talented and educated youth of the province was essential for their economic empowerment and integration into the national mainstream.
He termed these initiatives an important step towards ensuring greater representation of Balochistan’s youth in federal institutions and acknowledged the government’s efforts to expand employment opportunities for them.
Syedaal Khan Nasir also appreciated the launch of the Prime Minister’s Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program – “Ghar Ho Tu Apna”, aimed at facilitating low and middle-income families in owning their homes through affordable housing finance.
He said that the initiative, offering housing loans of up to Rs. 10 million at a subsidised markup rate of 5 per cent for the first ten years and a repayment period of up to 20 years, reflected the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of ordinary citizens.
He said that the programme would particularly benefit deserving families, including those in Balochistan, while stimulating economic activity, strengthening the construction sector and generating employment opportunities across the country.
Discussing the role of traders and the business community in economic development, Syedaal Khan Nasir appreciated the government’s efforts to facilitate economic activities, support businesses and improve the overall business environment.
He said that traders, investors and entrepreneurs were important partners in national economic growth and acknowledged the government’s initiatives aimed at providing them with greater facilitation and support.
He observed that promoting investment, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting local businesses were essential for sustainable economic growth, particularly in a province with immense untapped economic potential like Balochistan.
He further stated that the measures being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for national development, economic stability and international engagement were commendable.
He observed that effective coordination between the political and military leadership in safeguarding national interests, strengthening national security and promoting economic and strategic cooperation with friendly countries was contributing towards Pakistan’s positive standing at the international level.
He also appreciated the leadership and joint efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in pursuing national objectives.
The Deputy Chairman Senate emphasised that effectively utilising Pakistan’s natural resources, particularly the mineral wealth of Balochistan, in accordance with modern requirements could open new avenues of investment, industrialisation and employment.
He said that the government was taking important steps towards improving access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment and other basic facilities for the people of Balochistan.
He expressed the hope that these commendable efforts would continue with further attention to the needs of the province, particularly by extending additional relief and facilitation to farmers, traders and the business community of Balochistan.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued engagement and consultation among political leadership to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance Parliament’s role, promote political reconciliation and ensure national unity.
Syedaal Khan Nasir said that addressing the challenges confronting the country required collective efforts, political understanding and a shared commitment to placing national interests above political affiliations.
He expressed confidence that sustained government initiatives, coupled with greater attention to the economic and social needs of Balochistan, would pave the way for inclusive development, prosperity and a stronger Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the efforts of Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir in advancing the development agenda of the PML-N government.
He lauded the Deputy Chairman Senate’s role in strengthening parliamentary democracy and promoting legislation for the better facilitation of the people of Pakistan.
He also appreciated Syedaal Khan Nasir’s efforts towards strengthening constitutional institutions, improving the legislative process and enhancing public participation in parliamentary democracy.
