PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 22nd Aug, 2026) The Prime Minister’s proposal for a grand dialogue on Balochistan on Saturday has drawn widespread appreciation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with politicians, academics, former diplomats and representatives of civil society describing the initiative as an opportunity to address long-standing grievances, promote reconciliation and open a new chapter of development in the province.
The proposal has resonated particularly strongly among those who believe that Balochistan’s complex challenges could not be resolved through confrontation alone.
They said a meaningful political dialogue, coupled with economic opportunity and equitable development, could help restore confidence among the people and bring estranged voices back into the national mainstream.
Professor Dr. A.H. Hilali described dialogue as the most viable solution to address the legitimate and genuine problems of the people of Balochistan.
He said the province possessed enormous economic potential and that equitable development could accelerate the pace of economic activity and prosperity.
“Balochistan is an important province of Pakistan and is endowed with vast mineral and natural resources,” he said, stressing that responsible investment in gemstones, mining and natural resources could create jobs and provide new opportunities for the province’s young population.
For many young people in Balochistan, he said, the question was not simply about resources but about whether those resources could translate into jobs, education, healthcare and a better quality of life.
Dr. Hilali also pointed to the province’s vast geographical area and the long distances separating population centres as major challenges for governments trying to provide basic services.
He called for a fair distribution of resources so that communities living in remote areas of Balochistan could also benefit from national development.
Reflecting on history, he said Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan carried important lessons about resolving differences through consultation and mutual understanding.
He maintained that it was never too late to address outstanding issues and urged all legitimate stakeholders to use the proposed grand dialogue as a platform for resolving concerns and finding common ground.
He also condemned recently acts of terrorism, including the attack on the Jaffar Express, saying such violence undermined development and sought to keep Balochistan economically and socially backward.
“A handful of anti-state elements cannot hold the people of Balochistan hostage,” he said, while expressing confidence in the patriotic sentiments of the province’s people.
Member National Assembly (MPA) from Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz, Tariq Awan also welcomed the Prime Minister’s initiative, terming it a praiseworthy step towards addressing the province’s challenges through political engagement.
He highlighted several development initiatives undertaken by successive Federal governments, including major road infrastructure, Gwadar-related projects and programmes aimed at reducing the energy burden on farmers.
Referring to the Karachi-Chaman N-25 project, he said the federal government had allocated Rs 415 billion for the mega road project, which, once completed, was expected to improve connectivity and facilitate trade and economic activity across the region.
“Connectivity is the backbone of development,” Awan said, stressing that improved roads could link remote communities with markets, schools, hospitals and employment opportunities.
He also described Gwadar Port as an important national project, noting its deep-draft capacity and strategic significance. He recalled steps taken during the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement government to increase utilisation of the port.
Awan said the federal government had also maintained Balochistan’s share in federal development schemes at a level higher than its population-based share, describing the policy as an expression of national solidarity rather than a favour.
He recalled the 2010 National Finance Commission Award discussions, saying all four provinces had agreed to increase Balochistan’s share from the federation in recognition of its financial difficulties and development needs.
The MPA also highlighted the federal government’s solarisation programme for agricultural tubewells in Balochistan. He said an estimated Rs70 billion was required to convert approximately 20,000 to 22,000 tubewells to solar power, with the federal government contributing Rs40 billion.
According to him, around 20,000 solar tubewells had already been installed, offering farmers relief from high energy costs while helping address irrigation challenges.
“The benefits of development projects can only be sustained when their security is ensured by all stakeholders,” he said, urging Balochistan’s political leadership, civil society and local communities to play their role in protecting development projects and ensuring that funds allocated for public welfare were used transparently and effectively.
Former Ambassador Manzoorul Haq also welcomed the proposed grand dialogue, calling it a positive step in the right direction.
He stressed that poverty, terrorism, unemployment and illiteracy should be tackled as immediate priorities, arguing that sustainable peace would remain difficult without improving the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.
He called for greater unity and tolerance, saying social cohesion and economic development needed to move forward together.
The reactions from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflect a broader view that the Balochistan question has both political and socioeconomic dimensions. While security remains a major concern, the experts said the grievances of ordinary citizens also needed sustained attention through better education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure and access to economic opportunities.
They expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s dialogue proposal would be seized as an golden opportunity by dissident elements and other stakeholders to return to the political mainstream.
For Balochistan’s people, the success of such an initiative could ultimately be measured not only by the number of participants around a negotiating table, but by whether dialogue translates into greater trust, safer communities and tangible improvements in daily life.
The experts said a genuine and inclusive political process, supported by economic development and national unity, could help transform Balochistan’s vast potential into opportunities for its people and strengthen the province’s role in Pakistan’s future economic growth.
