Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday emphasised the importance of national unity, inclusive development, and continued security efforts to achieve durable peace and sustainable prosperity in Balochistan.
Speaking at the National Workshop Balochistan held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, he welcomed participants on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari.
Gilani noted that since its inception in 2016, the workshop has served as a key platform bringing together parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, civil society representatives, media professionals, and young people from across Pakistan to exchange ideas and address national issues. He said the initiative had played a significant role in fostering dialogue and strengthening understanding among provinces by connecting diverse perspectives.
Highlighting Balochistan’s strategic significance, the Senate chairman said the province occupies a vital position in Pakistan’s economic future and national security due to its extensive Arabian Sea coastline, abundant mineral wealth, and geographic location linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East.
Gilani condemned recent terrorist attacks carried out by what he described as Indian-backed proxy groups and militants seeking to destabilise Pakistan. He said the shift in attacks from military installations to civilian targets reflected the desperation of terrorist elements.
Paying tribute to the armed forces, Frontier Corps, police, and other law enforcement agencies, he praised their professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed that the nation stood united behind its security institutions and honoured those who had lost their lives while defending the country.
At the same time, Gilani stressed that military operations alone could not deliver lasting peace. He said the people of Balochistan, particularly the youth, must play a central role in shaping the province’s future, adding that their trust, participation, and sense of ownership were essential for meaningful development and long-term stability.
Reflecting on his tenure as prime minister, he outlined several initiatives introduced to address Balochistan’s longstanding concerns. These included the unanimous approval of the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan Package, implementation of the Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, settlement of outstanding gas development surcharges and royalty payments, allocation of special quotas for Baloch youth in federal institutions and the armed forces, and efforts to promote political dialogue and reconciliation.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding provincial rights and strengthening the federation, Gilani said balanced development across all provinces remained a national priority. He remarked that development without security lacked substance, security without unity remained fragile, and unity could not be achieved without mutual understanding.
The Senate chairman urged participants to serve as ambassadors of national harmony by upholding constitutional values, respecting diversity, and strengthening democratic institutions. He said education, employment opportunities, and improved infrastructure were the most effective tools for preventing extremism and building resilient communities.
