Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while chairing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan in Quetta on Thursday, declared that both political and military leadership are united in their resolve to completely eradicate terrorism from Pakistan. He asserted that anti-terror operations will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated from Pakistani soil.
Leadership United Against Terrorism
“I want to announce this decision today, on behalf of myself, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Balochistan government, that we will not step back from fighting this menace. We will eliminate it by utilising all available resources, and Pakistan will become a cradle of progress and prosperity,” the prime minister said. The high-level meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Ahad Khan Cheema, Advisor to PM Rana Sanaullah, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and heads of various law enforcement agencies.
Recent Attacks and Security Operations
The prime minister noted that very serious incidents had taken place during the last four days, resulting in the martyrdom of policemen, soldiers, and civilians. He assured that the entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in this testing time. Paying rich tributes to the sacrifices of personnel, he expressed deep grief over the recent tragic incidents across Balochistan. He informed participants that 54 terrorists were successfully neutralized by security forces during recent operations following the attacks. “We will work day and night, and we will not step back until this menace is completely uprooted,” Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated.
Accusations Against Eastern Neighbor
He stated that, undoubtedly, Pakistan’s eastern neighbour is fully involved in fanning terrorism in all aspects. “They are providing funding as well as weapons to these terrorists and their groups. Operating from Afghanistan, these terrorists collectively conduct attacks in Balochistan and KP,” he added. “Likewise, there are also some other external hands, about which I do not want to say anything further now,” he remarked.
Diplomatic Successes and Enemy Designs
He said that the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawaraj and other hostile elements stem from their inability to digest Pakistan’s growing diplomatic achievements and successes on the international horizon. “Whether it is our diplomatic successes, or last year’s four-day Marka-e-Haq — the enemies simply cannot digest the great honor Allah Almighty has bestowed upon Pakistan. They are constantly looking for ways to create difficulties for us,” the prime minister remarked. He said these adversaries are desperate to create hurdles in Pakistan’s path to economic stability, but stressed that their malicious designs are bound to fail.
Briefing on Security Environment
During the visit, the prime minister was comprehensively briefed on the overall security environment in Balochistan, with a particular focus on recent terrorist incidents, ongoing intelligence-based operations, and measures undertaken by military and law enforcement agencies for the safety and security of the province’s people. The prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs who rendered the ultimate sacrifice and expressed solidarity with their families. He reaffirmed the support of the entire nation with its armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and the people of Balochistan in the fight against terrorism.
Commitment to Peace and Development
The prime minister emphasized that peace in Balochistan is central to Pakistan’s stability, progress and prosperity. He highlighted that efforts of the enemies of Pakistan to stall our positive trajectory, development and progress will not be allowed to succeed. He expressed concern at the recent incidents but acknowledged the untiring efforts and resolve of law enforcement agencies fighting Indian-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan. He emphasized zero tolerance against terrorism in all forms to ensure safety and security of the people, expressing resolve that Pakistan will crush internal and foreign-based terrorist networks attempting to undermine the security of the province. He reaffirmed that the federal government, in close coordination with the provincial government, will continue to support all efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism, strengthening the writ of the state, and ensuring that the people of Balochistan can pursue a future of peace, development and opportunity.
