By. IRFAN SIDDIQUI
ISLAMABAD, November 6: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir met former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Hamza Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, where they discussed national affairs, parliamentary cooperation, economic challenges and development priorities for Balochistan.
According to a Senate Secretariat statement, the discussion covered employment opportunities for young people, support for farmers and businesses, affordable housing and measures to strengthen democratic institutions.
Nasir said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was committed to Balochistan’s development and was taking practical steps to address the province’s longstanding deprivation. He observed that its natural resources, mineral reserves and agricultural potential could attract investment, generate employment and improve living standards if effectively utilised.
The deputy chairman paid tribute to Hamza Shehbaz’s political contributions, public service and commitment to parliamentary democracy. He expressed confidence that the responsibility recently entrusted to him at the federal level would strengthen coordination between the government, parliamentarians and political stakeholders.
Highlighting education, Nasir welcomed the establishment of Danish Schools in Balochistan, describing them as an important initiative to provide quality education to children from disadvantaged families and remote communities. He said greater access to education would help reduce disparities and enable young people to contribute more effectively to national development.
He also appreciated initiatives supporting the province’s agricultural sector, particularly the provincial government’s Green Tractor Scheme, which the statement said offered farmers a 50 per cent subsidy. Agricultural mechanisation and continued support for rural communities, he added, could improve productivity and strengthen livelihoods.
Nasir welcomed federal recruitment initiatives and efforts to fill vacancies under Balochistan’s provincial quota. He said meaningful employment for educated young people was essential to their economic empowerment and greater representation in federal institutions.
The deputy chairman also praised the Prime Minister’s “Ghar Ho Tu Apna” housing programme. According to the statement, the initiative offers housing finance of up to Rs10 million, with a subsidised markup rate of five per cent for the first ten years and a repayment period of up to 20 years.
He said affordable housing finance could help low and middle-income families own homes while supporting construction activity and employment. He expressed hope that deserving families in Balochistan would benefit from the programme.
Discussing economic development, Nasir emphasised the importance of facilitating traders, investors and entrepreneurs. He said support for small and medium-sized enterprises, local businesses and investment was necessary for sustainable growth, particularly in Balochistan.
He also appreciated coordination between the political and military leadership on national security, international engagement and economic cooperation with friendly countries. The statement said he acknowledged the joint efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in pursuing national objectives.
Nasir called for continued investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure and basic services, alongside additional relief for farmers and the business community. He said political consultation, reconciliation and a shared commitment to national interests were essential to addressing Pakistan’s challenges.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Hamza Shehbaz appreciated Nasir’s efforts to advance Balochistan’s development and strengthen parliamentary democracy. He also acknowledged his contribution to legislation, constitutional institutions and greater public participation in the parliamentary process.
