LAHORE, Feb 10 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday arrived in Quetta and reaffirmed Punjab’s full support for Balochistan, stressing that peace, stability and the elimination of terrorism were only possible through national unity.
Upon her arrival, she was received by Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, provincial ministers and members of the provincial assembly, said a handout issued here.
During the visit, the chief minister attended a ceremony at the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters and later visited the Governor House and the Chief Minister Secretariat along with her delegation.
At the Chief Minister Secretariat, Maryam Nawaz Sharif was accorded a warm reception by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, members of the provincial cabinet, lawmakers and allied parties, and also held meetings with cabinet members.
Addressing the Balochistan cabinet jointly with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, she said she was pleased that her first official visit as Punjab chief minister was to Balochistan, and praised the people of the province for their patriotism and commitment to Pakistan.
She said the Punjab government would extend all possible cooperation to help address Balochistan’s challenges, adding that Punjab stood shoulder to shoulder with the people and government of the province. She expressed her desire for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan.
CM Maryam Nawaz also assured full support in ongoing operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and expressed hope that terrorism would soon be eliminated from the province. She appreciated Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s leadership under challenging circumstances.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti thanked Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her visit and termed Punjab’s support in security matters a positive and commendable step, adding that both the government and opposition in Balochistan were united for public welfare.