Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a major breakthrough for Balochistan by expediting the long-delayed Karachi-Quetta-Chaman expressway overhaul, a road often described as a “bloody highway” due to frequent and deadly accidents.
Speaking to federal cabinet members in Islamabad, the prime minister confirmed that work on the nearly 850-kilometre Karachi–Chaman expressway has officially started. While the Ministry of Communications initially proposed a two-year timeline, the prime minister directed authorities to complete the project within one year.
The highway project is estimated to cost Rs 400 billion, which will be fully funded by the federal government.
Turning a Dangerous Road into a Road of Prosperity
PM Shehbaz Sharif explained that the funding for the Karachi–Chaman expressway overhaul comes from savings generated when the government decided to retain petroleum prices domestically during a period of falling global oil prices.
He kept on saying that these savings are now being used to convert a dangerous and accident-prone road into a safe and prosperous trade route, benefiting local communities and strengthening national connectivity.
Read more: https://www.pediastan.com/articles/petroleum-levy-to-upgrade-karachi-chaman-highway/
Major Development Initiatives for Balochistan
Alongside the highway project, the prime minister highlighted various major development initiatives for Balochistan. He announced the completion of a Rs 75 billion agricultural package, with Rs 50 billion provided by the federal government.
This initiative has helped address the long-standing issue of electricity theft by introducing solar-powered irrigation systems, allowing farmers to irrigate their lands independently and sustainably.
Education, Laptops, and Scholarships
PM Shehbaz Sharif also released updates on the establishment of Daanish schools in Balochistan. Construction work has already started, with contractors mobilised this month. Initially, five schools were planned, but two additional Daanish schools were announced during his visit to Quetta, bringing the total to seven schools, all expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Under the Prime Minister’s education programmes, up to 100,000 laptops are being distributed nationwide, along with scholarships for thousands of deserving including male and female students
Defence Exports and Security Situation
During discussions on national security, the prime minister noted that after the success of Marka-e-Haq, international demand for Pakistan’s defence equipment has increased. Several countries are now discussing purchasing Pakistani military hardware.
He paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices in combating terrorism and also thanked the stakeholders for showing confidence in the government’s policies.