PM Shehbaz arrives in Quetta after Balochistan attacks

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on Thursday for a day-long visit to review the security situation in Balochistan following a series of militant attacks in the province, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

According to a statement posted on social media platform X by the PMO, the premier was received at the airport by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and senior civil and military officials.

During the visit, the prime minister is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting focusing on the law and order situation in the province. He is accompanied by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.

Recent surge in violence

The prime minister’s visit follows a briefing by the military on Wednesday, which revealed that at least 42 people including security personnel and law enforcement officials had been killed in terrorist attacks and subsequent counter-operations across Balochistan since July 5.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated during a press conference in Rawalpindi that three major militant incidents had occurred over four days. These included an armed attack near Quetta on July 5, an assault on a police check-post in Ziarat on July 6, and an ambush targeting an army convoy in Bela on Wednesday.

Military warns of firm response

The military spokesperson warned that security forces would show no leniency as operations continue to track down those responsible for the violence. He stated that terrorists and their facilitators should expect a firm and unyielding response from the state.

The ISPR chief also attributed the attacks to external elements, alleging involvement from networks operating out of India and Afghanistan. He remarked that the recent wave of violence was orchestrated by actors opposed to the stability and progress of Pakistan.