Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday declared that Pakistan's political and military leadership is fully united and determined to eradicate terrorism. Addressing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, he stated, "The country's political and military leadership is fully united in its determination to eradicate terrorism, and this battle will continue until the last disruptive terrorist is eliminated."
Context of the Meeting
The meeting was convened in response to a series of terrorist attacks in Balochistan over the previous four days, which resulted in the deaths of police officials, military personnel, and citizens. PM Shehbaz emphasized that the country would utilize all its resources to defeat terrorists, ensuring Pakistan's progress and well-being.
He accused India of being involved in the menace of terrorism, providing weapons, financial support, and other facilities to terrorists. "India is funding and arming the terrorists and their outfits to destabilise Pakistan," he said, adding that these terrorists "seek support in Afghanistan and then launch joint attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan; however, the state will foil the nefarious designs of these elements under all circumstances."
Recent Attacks and Government Response
PM Shehbaz explained that the recent attacks were aimed at sabotaging Pakistan's international reputation earned through diplomatic wins and the success of the May four-day war. He reported that 54 terrorists were killed in recent operations, stating, "We will continue to wage this war till the last troublemaker and terrorist is slain."
The premier acknowledged the sacrifices of military personnel, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who lost their lives in the attacks, paying tribute to the martyrs and assuring that their sacrifices would not go in vain.
Attendance at the Meeting
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and heads of law enforcement agencies. Earlier, PM Shehbaz arrived in Quetta on a day-long visit and was received by the governor, chief minister, and senior civil and military officials. Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah accompanied him.
Protest by Families of Victims
The prime minister's visit came in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, where 42 security personnel and civilians were martyred in three major incidents. Families mourning the victims continued their protests at two locations in Quetta on Wednesday, refusing to bury their loved ones until they met with PM Shehbaz and COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir. The sit-ins disrupted traffic and prompted security tightening.
At one protest camp outside BA Mall on Airport Road, relatives of five people killed in the Hanna Urak incident have remained on the road for the fifth day. A second sit-in near Coal Phattak involves families of 13 police personnel martyred in the Ziarat Mangi Dam Phase III attack, who are demonstrating with the bodies. The protesters demand senior leaders listen to their concerns and provide a clear commitment to address their demands.
According to official sources, 21 police personnel were martyred in the Ziarat attack. After post-mortem examinations, eight bodies were sent to hometowns for burial, while 13 were taken to the protest site. The demonstrations have attracted tribal elders, political figures, civil society members, and residents. Road closures have caused heavy traffic congestion on Airport Road, Coal Phattak, and surrounding areas, with traffic police diverting vehicles to alternative routes.
Security Review and Future Measures
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Apex Committee, bringing together federal ministers, the Balochistan chief minister, senior military officials, and law enforcement representatives to review the province's security situation, recent terrorist incidents, and future counterterrorism measures. Officials confirmed that security forces launched an operation against the attackers, killing 15 terrorists. The families protesting the Hanna Urak incident have vowed to continue their sit-in until their demands receive a formal response.
