ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to contribute to the development of all provinces.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, a day after the federal budget for FY27 was presented, the prime minister said the government remains focused on ensuring balanced progress across the country.
He noted at the outset that he would not offer a detailed response to the criticism raised by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai at that moment, but would address it at an appropriate time.
Earlier in the day, during the NA proceedings that began at 11am, Achakzai had focused largely on the country’s law and order situation. He also criticised the government’s decision to freeze development allocations for the provinces, arguing it would negatively impact health and social sectors.
Addressing the House, PM Shehbaz said all members of the National Assembly were highly respectable and described the legislature as a “house,” adding that while political differences may exist, unity on national interest was essential.
“There is no difference of opinion on this,” he said, referring to Achakzai’s remarks that provinces had the right to their financial resources.
Recalling development initiatives in Balochistan, the prime minister said such projects were undertaken as part of the federal government’s responsibility to ensure equal progress for all provinces.
He added, “If this will be our collective desire and practical attempt, then this is among the possibilities,” stressing the importance of joint efforts for national development.
The prime minister highlighted Balochistan’s share in the Reko Diq project and the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, under which the province’s share was doubled.
He clarified that his reference was not meant to boast, but to emphasise that no system can function without financial and social justice.
PM Shehbaz also mentioned initiatives such as the distribution of solar panels to farmers in Balochistan and the construction of the Chaman-to-Gwadar road, calling them examples of “brotherhood” and development cooperation.
Responding to Achakzai’s speech, the prime minister also referred to remarks about the armed forces and recalled that 22 army personnel were martyred in a recent helicopter crash in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He highlighted the ongoing terrorism in Balochistan, stating that such activities were receiving “technical support” from certain actors.
On the Durand Line, PM Shehbaz said it was a matter of opinion, but added that border fencing was necessary for Pakistan’s security, noting that even a large expenditure would be justified if it saved lives.
The prime minister also pointed to rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers defending the country.
“If we do not respect our martyrs, what will the world say?” he asked, stressing the importance of honouring the families of the fallen.
He further recalled his past cordial relations with Mehmood Khan Achakzai and emphasised the need for national unity despite political differences.
Concluding his speech, PM Shehbaz reiterated his offer for dialogue with the opposition and a charter of democracy to strengthen political stability in the country.