Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Friday emphasised that Balochistan was not a peripheral concern but the cornerstone of Pakistan’s unity, prosperity, economic future and national security, urging all stakeholders to work collectively for lasting peace, inclusive development and a stronger federation.
Addressing the participants of the National Workshop Balochistan, the Chairman Senate warmly welcomed parliamentarians, civil servants, members of civil society, academia, youth and media representatives from across the country.
He described the National Workshop as a unique platform that fosters dialogue, strengthens inter-provincial understanding and builds national cohesion by bringing together diverse segments of society.
Gilani said that Balochistan occupies a strategic position owing to its vast coastline, abundant mineral resources and geographic location linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East.
He observed that the province’s progress was inseparable from Pakistan’s overall development and prosperity.
While acknowledging the security, socio-economic and human development challenges confronting the province, Chairman Senate strongly condemned terrorism and said that hostile elements backed by external forces are attempting to destabilize Pakistan by targeting innocent civilians and development projects.
He paid glowing tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces, Frontier Corps Balochistan, Police and all law enforcement agencies for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment in safeguarding the country.
He reaffirmed the Senate of Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the nation’s security forces and honoured the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs in defence of the motherland.
Chairman Gilani stressed that sustainable peace could not be achieved through security measures alone.
He underscored the importance of empowering the people of Balochistan, particularly its youth, through education, employment, skills development, political participation and equal opportunities.
He said that winning the trust and confidence of the people remained essential for ensuring enduring peace and meaningful progress.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Chairman Senate highlighted landmark initiatives undertaken for Balochistan, including the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan Package, the historic Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, settlement of outstanding gas development surcharges and royalties, enhanced representation of Baloch youth in federal institutions and the armed forces, and sustained political dialogue aimed at strengthening national integration and addressing the province’s legitimate concerns.
He reaffirmed that the Senate, as the House of Federation, remains fully committed to protecting provincial rights, strengthening the federation, ensuring equitable resource distribution and guaranteeing equal representation of all provinces in national decision-making.
Gilani observed that development, security and national unity were inseparable pillars of a stable and prosperous Pakistan.
He noted that terrorism sought to undermine education, economic progress and public welfare by attacking schools, labourers and development projects.
However, he expressed confidence that the resilience, patriotism and determination of the people of Balochistan would defeat such designs.
The Chairman Senate urged them to become ambassadors of national harmony, constitutional values and democratic principles. He encouraged them to carry forward the lessons learned during the workshop by promoting dialogue, respecting diversity and contributing positively to Pakistan’s progress.
Gilani expressed confidence in the country’s youth, stating that they possess the vision and commitment to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Pakistan. He called upon all Pakistanis to stand together against forces seeking division and reaffirmed that national unity remains the country’s greatest strength.
While answering the questions of participants during Q&A session, Chairman Senate termed youth of Pakistan the future of country.
He also lauded the vision of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan to introduce bicameral legislature making House of Federal the Senate of Pakistan that ensures equal representation of all provinces.
He called this visionary action to be a step to grant rights to the people. He appreciated the Pakistan’s civil and military leadership for efforts to bring peace in world and in Balochistan.