Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Reaffirms Federal Commitment to Balochistan’s Development Challenges

On a warm July afternoon in Quetta, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar sat down with a delegation from the National Party, headed by its long‑time president Dr Abdul Malik Baloch. The meeting, held on 20 July 2026, was less about ceremony and more about rolling up sleeves – a chance for both sides to speak plainly about the province’s pressing needs.

Dar opened with a familiar refrain: the federal government is “fully committed” to tackling Balochistan’s tangled web of economic and developmental challenges. He emphasized that this commitment would be pursued “through the constitutional framework,” a phrase that, while a bit jargon‑laden, basically signals that the centre plans to work within existing legal structures rather than imposing ad‑hoc solutions.

Dr Baloch, ever the steady voice of his party, thanked Dar for the reassurance. He reminded everyone that the National Party stands ready to cooperate with “all stakeholders” – an easy‑going way of saying the party is open to dialogue with the centre, provincial authorities, and even civil society groups.

One of the more striking moments was Dr Baloch’s blunt assessment of the insurgent groups that have lingered in the province for years. “They do not have the support or legitimacy of the Baloch people,” he said, a clear attempt to undercut any narrative that these militants enjoy broad popular backing.

Security, of course, remained high on the agenda. Dar was briefed on two recent, tragic incidents – the attacks in Hanna Urak and Ziarat – that together claimed the lives of 32 civilians and police officers. The loss, described in sober terms, was a stark reminder that any development drive must run hand‑in‑hand with measures to protect lives.

The tone of the meeting was constructive, with both sides acknowledging past shortcomings while looking forward. As the talks wrapped up, Dar reiterated that the centre would continue to channel resources, technical expertise, and policy support toward “sustainable economic growth, progress and prosperity” for the people of Balochistan. Dr Baloch, in turn, pledged the National Party’s cooperation, hoping that a shared vision might finally translate into tangible change on the ground.