QUETTA, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for their exceptional professionalism and bravery during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, vowing that the government stands firmly behind the military in its mission to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
Addressing the faculty and graduating officers at the Command and Staff College Quetta, the premier praised the armed forces’ sacrifices and strategic excellence. “The exemplary conduct of our military has earned the admiration of the nation,” he remarked, reaffirming the government’s unwavering support for the defence institutions.
He emphasized that contemporary threats to Pakistan were not limited to conventional warfare and highlighted the need for readiness in multiple domains. “Hybrid warfare, economic sabotage, and misinformation campaigns are real challenges. Our military, political, and economic institutions must be fully prepared,” the Prime Minister asserted.
Accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar, and other senior civil and military officials, the Prime Minister also underscored the importance of synergy between all elements of national power to meet emerging challenges.
In a strongly worded statement, the Prime Minister accused India of escalating its proxy war inside Pakistan after facing a “humiliating defeat” during the recent Ma’rka-e-Haq. He alleged that India was attempting to destabilize Pakistan through its intelligence network, which he termed as Fitna al Hindustan. “These nefarious designs will be decisively defeated by the unity and resilience of the Pakistani nation, Insha’Allah,” he declared.
Referring to recent Indian incursions, including attacks on May 6, 7, and 10, the Prime Minister credited the armed forces for their swift and successful response. “Our brave soldiers pushed back the aggression with such force that the enemy will remember its failure for a long time,” he stated, adding that the recent victory was reminiscent of avenging the events of 1971.
He also criticized India’s diplomatic posturing and propaganda following the Pulwama incident, highlighting Pakistan’s measured yet forceful military and diplomatic response. “Pakistan struck back with precision, targeting seven high-value sites. This showcased our operational readiness and commitment to peace with strength,” he said.
Highlighting domestic achievements, PM Shehbaz cited the economic reforms initiated in March 2024, noting a 28% surge in tax revenue, declining inflation from 38% to single digits, and a stable rupee. He attributed these gains to transparency initiatives such as faceless customs assessments and aggressive anti-smuggling campaigns.
The premier reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and announced the introduction of modern financial technologies, including blockchain and crypto regulation, to align with the global economy.
“We remain focused on reform, economic stability, and counterterrorism. Our aim is to transform Pakistan into a resilient and prosperous nation,” he declared.
During a grand jirga held in Quetta, Prime Minister Shehbaz pledged accelerated development for Balochistan, promising that the province would receive its fair share of national resources.
Announcing key initiatives, he said the federal government would allocate Rs 250 billion — 25% of this year’s Rs 1,000 billion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) — exclusively for Balochistan. He also unveiled major investments including Rs 70 billion for a solarization project and Rs 150 billion for upgrading the N-25 highway.
“These funds are the right of Balochistan’s people. Every rupee will be spent transparently to ensure their prosperity,” he affirmed.
He recalled Punjab’s support for Balochistan during his tenure as Chief Minister, including a 10% quota for Baloch students in educational and laptop schemes. He also referenced the 2010 NFC Award under which Punjab ceded part of its share to help Balochistan, an amount that today stands at Rs 160 billion in value.
Addressing the security situation, the Prime Minister condemned recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, blaming foreign-backed militants for destabilizing the region. “These enemies of peace are tools of foreign agendas and will be crushed by the resolve of the state,” he said.
He specifically referenced the latest terrorist incident in Sorab, underscoring the urgent need for peace to ensure economic development. “There can be no progress without stability,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to social and economic justice for the people of Balochistan, promising that their grievances would be addressed through dialogue and development.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests in response to India’s nuclear adventurism, describing them as a pivotal moment in securing national defence. “Under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan responded with strength, cementing its position as a nuclear power,” he said.
He lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar for their leadership and strategic acumen, crediting them with enhancing Pakistan’s defence readiness and morale.
Upon his arrival in Quetta, the Prime Minister was received by Acting Governor and Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. He was accompanied by federal ministers and parliamentarians, including Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, and Jamal Khan Kakar.
The visit included high-level briefings, engagements with military officials, and discussions with tribal elders, signaling the federal government’s renewed focus on national unity, defence preparedness, and provincial harmony.
