In a significant move prioritizing development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that savings from declining oil prices will be used for critical infrastructure projects in Balochistan instead of being passed on to consumers. This decision, he said, reflects a national commitment to ending the region’s historical neglect and bridging the development gap.
N-25: From Tragedy to Transformation
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister declared the complete overhaul of the notorious N-25 highway. Known as the “deadly road,” the N-25 connects Karachi to Chaman through Quetta, Khuzdar, and Kalat and has claimed over 2,000 lives due to its single-lane, deteriorated condition.
PM Shehbaz announced a Rs300 billion reconstruction plan to upgrade it to a motorway-standard highway. He pledged that the federal government, along with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, would personally oversee the project. Third-party monitoring will ensure top construction standards.
“It is time to change the fate of the N-25—from being a highway of tragedy to one of prosperity,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
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Kachhi Canal Phase-II to Move Forward
Alongside the highway reconstruction, Phase-II of the Kachhi Canal irrigation project will also resume. Using Rs70 billion from the same pool of funds, the project aims to irrigate vast arid lands of Balochistan.
“If completed with dedication, this canal can transform agriculture, improve livelihoods, and significantly enhance food security in the province,” the prime minister stated. He stressed the importance of efficient execution and equitable resource allocation across all federating units.
Solar-Powered Tubewells and Expanded Road Network
The prime minister also highlighted a joint federal-provincial initiative to solarize 70,000 agricultural tubewells in Balochistan. The federal government will bear 70% of the project cost. This solarization effort is expected to reduce energy costs, promote sustainable farming, and ease the burden on farmers.
In addition, he confirmed that two major motorway projects—the Hyderabad-Sukkur M-6 and the M-9 from Sukkur to Karachi—will be implemented under a transparent federal process. These will further extend high-quality road networks into underserved areas, boosting trade and connectivity.
National and International Issues Addressed
During the cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz condemned the killing of eight Pakistanis in Iran’s Sistan province, calling for swift action from Iranian authorities. He also expressed prayers for the recovery of President Asif Ali Zardari, currently undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
Key Cabinet Approvals
The cabinet made several important decisions to strengthen governance and economic growth. These included:
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Amendments to the Petroleum Levy Ordinance (1961) to increase national revenue.
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Approval of the Sustainable Investment Sukuk Framework to support green and renewable energy initiatives.
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A bill to establish the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority, aimed at ensuring food security and agricultural reform.
Balochistan Welcomes Development Focus
Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, attending as a special guest, praised the federal government’s shift in focus. “The N-25 was indeed a bloody road, but today, you have shown true compassion by addressing the pain and deprivation of Balochistan,” he remarked.
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