The federal government on Saturday (today) would further connect the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan through a land route, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the track during a day-long visit to Quetta, Aaj News reported.

PM Shehbaz, along with BNP-M leaders and federal ministers, arrived in Quetta. Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizinjo while acting Governor Balochistan Mir Jan Mohammad Khan Jamali, Minister for Housing and Works Maulana Abdul Wasey, chief secretary of Balochistan and IG of police were also present.

The prime minister was given a guard of honour upon his arrival at the chief minister secretariat.

According to sources, the premier would review the special relief package and preside over a meeting on the law and order situation. PM Shehbaz would also inaugurate a liver hospital.

The visit comes after the inclusion of two BNP leaders in the federal cabinet, which increased to 41 members on Friday. The BNP, which has been vocal about the provincial rights, has joined the cabinet on PM Shehbaz’s assurances that the government would form a judicial inquiry on the Chagai incidents.

PM Shehbaz has already directed the Balochistan government to provide relief to the public in Ramazan.

His predecessor had announced an Rs600 billion package for development projects in south Balochistan in 2020. The PTI government had vowed to provide Rs540 million and the rest would be spent by the provincial government. However, JWP chief Shahzain Bugti, who parted ways with the PTI ahead of the vote of no-confidence, had claimed that no development funds were spent in the province.

Addressing reporters, along with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on March 27, he said all matters were addressed to end insurgency and only funds were needed to provide resources – including scholarships, blood bank, and other services.