Says terrorism will be rooted out under guidance of COAS Gen Munir and with full cooperation from state
Spokesman Report
Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to root out the menace of terrorism with collective efforts as the country deals with the rise in terrorist attacks in Balochistan.
“The entire nation is grieved by the recent tragic incident that occurred in Balochistan. Khawarij who shed the blood of innocent people will be crushed through joint efforts of the nation and the valiant forces of Pakistan,” he said while addressing a high-level apex committee meeting at CM Secretariat, Quetta on Thursday
The premier was on a day-long visit to the city. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, the provincial corps commander, and other armed and civilian officials attended the meeting.
A spate of terrorist attacks rocked the resource-rich but backward province late Sunday night. Militants killed over 40 civilians, including 23 in Musa Khel after identity check, in at least 12 places.
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday midnight across the province. They also targeted security personnel. They stormed police stations, blew up railway tracks, and set fire to almost three dozen vehicles.
A military wing’s statement stated that 10 soldiers and four law enforcement agencies personnel were martyred and at least 21 terrorists got killed in clearance operations.
PM Shehbaz said: “We make it clear that with, determination, and unwavering resolve, we will eliminate terrorism in Balochistan. Balochistan is an important and beautiful province of Pakistan, and all obstacles in its path to development and prosperity will be removed for good.”
The premier hinted at the involvement of “foreign elements” and claimed that the Khawarij planned terrorism in Pakistan and shed the blood of Pakistanis, including law enforcement agencies.
He reiterated the government’s determination to “crush those involved in the ghastly bloodshed as the blood of the martyrs will not go in vain.”
While expressing his trust in the professional capabilities of the armed and civilian forces, he said: “Under the guidance of COAS General Asim Munir and with full cooperation from the federal government and the leadership of Balochistan the terrorism will be rooted out. Sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the motherland and the innocent civilians will not go to waste.”