Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has said that he will continue traditional collaboration to strengthen the relationship of cooperation with everyone.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, he addressed a significant political gathering in Quetta in which key political figures of Balochistan participated.
PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif and the party's Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif affirmed his dedication to fostering unity, stating, "I will follow the tradition of walking with everyone and will strengthen the relationship of cooperation with everyone."
He emphasized the longstanding commitment to the development of Balochistan, asserting, "The development of Balochistan has always been dear to us."
Highlighting past accomplishments, Nawaz Sharif pointed to the initiation of a vast road network spanning thousands of kilometres in Balochistan province. Notably, the construction of the 650 km Gwadar to Quetta road significantly reduced travel time from two days to eight hours, demonstrating a commitment to eradicating poverty and backwardness in the region.
Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the more than forty youths who lost their lives during the construction of the Gwadar-Quetta road. He also highlighted his other projects like the Gwadar to Khuzdar and Ratu Dero highways, linking southern Balochistan to Sindh.
Nawaz Sharif outlined projects that faced interruptions but were later resumed, including the Hagla and Dera Ismail Khan (DIK) roads. He told the leaders that the ongoing work on the York Sago-Zhob highway and N50, the Basima to Khuzdar Road, and the Yak Mach to Kharan Road nearing completion.
The collaborative effort with Japan resulted in the construction of a road from Rakhi Gaj to Bewata, connecting North Balochistan with South Punjab (Dera Ghazi Khan). Additionally, work on the Qalat, Quetta, Chaman, Khuzdar, and Karachi two-way road (N25) project resumed, with an estimated completion time of two to three years.
Nawaz Sharif talked about his initiation of the Coastal Highway in 1998-1999, the Gilgit-Skardu highway costing 62 billion rupees, and various developmental projects that were halted after his government.
In the meeting, political leaders thanked Nawaz Sharif for his visit and reiterated their commitment to future political cooperation, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration for the progress of the region.
Earlier today, Nawaz Sharif arrived to a warm welcome by his party leaders and workers at the Quetta Airport. Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz were also accompanied by him.
Those who welcomed Nawaz Sharif included PML-N Balochistan President Jaffer Khan Mandokhel, Nawab Jangez Marri and other senior leaders.
Different political personalities and leaders of various political parties including Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), PkMAP, and Balochistan National Party during their two-day visit to the provincial capital.
Former Balochistan chief minister Jam Kamal along with his group will also meet the PML-N leader and announce joining the party.
Shehbaz Sharif shared a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) saying “We are going to Quetta today along with Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif to continue the development journey of Balochistan. This visit of Nawaz Sharif just a few days after returning home is actually a reflection of our determination for the prosperity of Balochistan. The development of Pakistan is linked to the development of Balochistan, which Mian Nawaz Sharif prioritized in each of his terms.”
Reporter: Rao Dilshad