ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday accused India of backing terrorism in Pakistan, claiming that militant violence, which had largely been brought under control by 2018, resurfaced as part of a coordinated conspiracy.
Speaking at the Balochistan National Workshop, the prime minister said Pakistan had made significant gains against terrorism before the resurgence of militancy. He praised the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies for their continued sacrifices, saying their efforts remained vital to safeguarding the country.
Referring to what he described as the “Battle of Truth,” Shehbaz said Pakistan had delivered a strong response to its adversaries and reiterated the government’s determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
The prime minister also urged the Afghan Taliban administration to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan. He said Islamabad had repeatedly raised the issue but maintained that the authorities in Afghanistan had failed to stop cross-border militant activity.
Highlighting the government’s broader priorities, Shehbaz stressed that national security must go hand in hand with economic growth. He said Pakistan’s future depended on strengthening the economy while maintaining peace and stability.
Acknowledging shortcomings in previous policies, the prime minister said his government was committed to addressing past mistakes. He pledged to continue devolving greater financial resources and administrative authority to the provinces in order to promote balanced national development.
Reaffirming the federal government’s support for Balochistan, Shehbaz said every effort would be made to accelerate the province’s progress and improve the living standards of its people. He also paid tribute to the Baloch and Pashtun communities, saying they had played a significant role in Pakistan’s creation and remained an integral part of the federation.
The prime minister noted that Punjab had contributed Rs150 billion to Balochistan under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, while the country’s other provinces had also shared resources. He described these contributions as a symbol of national solidarity rather than an act of generosity.
Shehbaz also commended Balochistan’s political leadership for consistently placing national interests above political considerations and supporting the federation through successive governments.
Outlining ongoing development initiatives, he said work on the Karachi–Chaman dual carriageway was progressing, while 27,000 tube wells in Balochistan had been converted to solar power to improve agricultural productivity and reduce electricity costs. He added that the federal government had provided Rs50 billion toward a Rs75 billion agricultural support package aimed at assisting farmers.
Paying tribute to the country’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, the prime minister said nearly 90,000 Pakistanis had lost their lives over the years. He also honoured Mastung Sessions Judge Abdul Hakim and a security official who were recently martyred, saying their sacrifices, along with those of the people of Balochistan, would always be remembered and never be allowed to go in vain.
