PM Shehbaz says eastern neighbour behind terror attacks in Balochistan

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism, saying the country’s political and military leadership was united in its commitment to defeat militancy and restore lasting peace and stability.

Addressing a meeting of the Balochistan Apex Committee in Quetta, the prime minister said the fight against terrorism would continue until the “last terrorist” was eliminated, while all available resources would be utilised to ensure peace, security and economic development across the country.

Referring to the recent wave of violence in Balochistan, Shehbaz said several major terrorist attacks had taken place over the past four days, resulting in the martyrdom of police personnel, security forces and civilians.

He said security forces had responded with effective operations, killing 54 terrorists.

“The war against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” the prime minister said.

He paid tribute to the armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies, saying they had rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

“The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces and security institutions,” he added.

PM blames eastern neighbour, Afghan soil

Without naming India, the prime minister accused Pakistan’s eastern neighbour of supporting terrorism by providing militants with weapons, financial assistance and logistical support.

“There is no doubt that our eastern neighbour has a major role in this wave of terrorism,” he said.

Shehbaz also alleged that militants were using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, adding that the Pakistani state would thwart such attempts.

Political, military leadership united

The prime minister said Pakistan’s political and military leadership shared a unified resolve to eliminate terrorism and prevent hostile forces from destabilising the country.

He claimed Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes and last year’s “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth) victory had unsettled its adversaries, prompting them to intensify efforts to create instability.

“Our enemies cannot digest Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and the successes achieved last year. They are trying to destabilise the country through various means, but the political and military leadership stands united,” he said.

‘All resources will be utilised’

Shehbaz said the federal government, the Balochistan government and the armed forces would employ all available resources to eliminate terrorism and put Pakistan on the path of peace, stability and prosperity.

He also paid tribute to those killed in recent attacks, praying for the departed souls and expressing solidarity with their families.

“The sacrifices of our martyrs will never go in vain. Their courage and commitment will lay the foundation for lasting peace in Pakistan,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and senior civil and military officials.