Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled plans for the federal government to construct the M-6 and M-9 motorways, enhancing connectivity from Sukkur to Hyderabad and Hyderabad to Karachi. In a federal cabinet meeting held in Islamabad, the Prime Minister also disclosed plans to dualize the N-25 highway in Balochistan, a crucial route linking Chaman, Quetta, Kallat, Khuzdar, and Karachi.

The Prime Minister highlighted that savings accrued from the recent reduction in international petroleum prices would fund these infrastructure projects. He emphasized that the N-25 will not only become a dual carriageway but will also meet motorway standards upon renovation.

Additionally, the government intends to utilize these savings to complete the second phase of the Kachhi Canal project. This initiative is expected to irrigate vast tracts of land in Balochistan, fostering economic growth in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif underscored the equitable distribution of resources among Pakistan’s four provinces, likening them to “four brothers.” He reiterated that national prosperity is intrinsically linked to the development of Balochistan.

Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for prioritizing the restoration of the N-25 and supporting development projects in the province.

In other developments, the Prime Minister condemned the recent killing of eight Pakistanis in Sistan, Iran. He confirmed that the Foreign Minister had reached out to his Iranian counterpart, expressing hope for justice.

The federal cabinet meeting also saw the approval of amendments to the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Ordinance 1961, aimed at boosting national revenue. Furthermore, the cabinet green-lighted the Sustainable Investment Sukuk Framework, facilitating domestic securities issuance for projects related to sustainable environment and renewable energy.