PM Shehbaz says eastern neighbour behind terror attacks in Balochistan

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday vowed to continue campaign against terrorism until the “last terrorist” was eliminated, saying recent attacks in Balochistan had claimed the lives of several security personnel and civilians.

Addressing a meeting on the law and order situation in Quetta, the prime minister said that several serious terrorist incidents had occurred in recent days, resulting in the martyrdom of police personnel, Pakistan Army soldiers and civilians.

He said that security forces had killed 54 terrorists in separate operations, adding that the fight against terrorism would continue until the complete elimination of militants.

“The war will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” he said.

Shehbaz paid tribute to the armed forces, saying officers and soldiers had made unparalleled sacrifices and laid down their lives to safeguard the country.

“The entire nation stands with its brave armed forces,” he said.

Without naming India, the prime minister accused Pakistan’s eastern neighbour of sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan, saying that terrorist organisations were being supplied with weapons.

He also said that militants were using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz said that the country’s political and military leadership was united in its resolve to eradicate terrorism and would utilise all available resources to eliminate the menace.

He further said Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements and last year’s “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth) victory had not been accepted by its adversaries.

The prime minister said that Pakistan had thwarted the “malicious designs” of Fitna al Khawarij and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defeating terrorism.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan would overcome the security challenges and emerge as a prosperous and developed nation.