Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on Thursday on a one-day visit to Balochistan, where he was received at the airport by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The visit was marked by tight security measures across Quetta, leading to widespread traffic disruptions and the closure of shops in several areas.
Residents of Quetta complained that road blockades, suspended commercial activity and traffic diversions caused serious inconvenience, disrupting daily life and livelihoods. Large contingents of security personnel were deployed across the city, with key routes sealed during the Pakistani prime minister’s movement.
According to official sources, the visit included meetings with leaders of various political parties and announcements related to education and infrastructure projects in Balochistan. The prime minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated several schemes, including Danish Schools, the National Highway N-25, and other development projects.
Addressing political leaders in Quetta, Sharif said that Balochistan had long been affected by “terrorism.” He praised the role of the armed forces, Rangers, Levies and civilians, saying their “sacrifices” would be remembered. He said the fight against terrorism was ongoing and claimed Baloch “pro-independence” groups, were receiving support from neighbouring countries.
Speaking on financial matters, Shehbaz Sharif recalled the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) award and said that the then chief minister of Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani, had demanded a significant increase in Balochistan’s share. He claimed that Punjab had reduced its own share to provide additional resources to Balochistan, adding that billions of rupees had been transferred over the past 16 years.
The prime minister announced that five Danish Schools would be established in Balochistan, linking the education initiative to efforts to counter “militancy.” He also unveiled a Rs300 billion project for the construction of the Chaman–Karachi Highway. According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the prime minister was briefed by Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on ongoing development projects in Balochistan.
Despite the announcements, the visit drew criticism from local residents due to the extensive security lockdown and disruption to routine life in Quetta, once again highlighting the gap between high-level official engagements and the everyday concerns of the city’s population.