“Martyrs’ blood will not be in vain,” declares PM in a high-level security meeting in Quetta’
Quetta:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his commitment to completely eradicating terrorism in Balochistan, vowing that the scourge will be eliminated “root and branch” under the guidance of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. The Prime Minister’s declaration comes at a crucial time when the nation is grappling with the resurgence of terror activities, particularly in the volatile regions of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During a session of the Provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP), held in Quetta on Thursday, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the professional capabilities of the armed and civil forces. He emphasized that with the full cooperation of the federal government and Balochistan’s leadership, the terror incidents instigated by Khawarij and foreign elements would be completely wiped out. This statement underscores the government’s unwavering resolve to maintain peace and stability in the region, which is vital for the overall progress of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz referred to the recent terrorist attack in Balochistan on August 26 as “tragic and barbaric,” which has left the entire nation grieving. However, he firmly stated that this act of terrorism would not go unpunished, reiterating his government’s unwavering resolve to crush terrorism in the province. “The entire nation is saddened by this horrific incident, but we make it clear that with determination and unwavering resolve, we will eliminate terrorism in Balochistan,” he said. His remarks reflect the collective sentiment of the nation, which has witnessed numerous such tragedies over the years but remains resilient in the face of adversity.
Hinting at foreign involvement, the PM claimed that Khawarij and terrorist organizations are executing a nefarious plan against Pakistan, shedding the blood of innocent citizens, including law enforcement personnel. He assured that the sacrifices made by the officers and sepoys of the Frontier Constabulary Levies, as well as civilians, would not be in vain. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the resurgence of terrorism since 2018 would be crushed not only in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also across the entire country. This broad-based approach to counter-terrorism is expected to strengthen national security and bring long-term peace to the troubled regions.
In his address, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of collective efforts in eradicating terrorism from the province and categorically ruled out any dialogue with terrorists. However, he left the door open for talks with those who believe in the Constitution and the flag of Pakistan. The Prime Minister further assured that all obstacles to the province’s progress and prosperity would be removed with collective resolve and vision. “We will once again put the country on the path of progress and prosperity by following in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal,” he affirmed. This vision aligns with the government’s broader agenda of ensuring sustainable development across Pakistan, particularly in regions that have long been marginalized.
PM Shehbaz also touched upon the strategic importance of Balochistan, stating that the enemies of Pakistan aim to disrupt the progress of the province and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), but they will not succeed. He reiterated that the eradication of terrorism is crucial for the country’s prosperity. The stability of Balochistan is not only vital for national security but also for the successful implementation of CPEC, which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Pakistan and the wider region.
Moreover, the Prime Minister outlined a new policy regarding the appointment of “competent and talented officers” in Balochistan. He announced that 48 officers from the Common Training Programme would be deployed in the province for a year, with half of them being deployed immediately and the remaining after six months. PM Shehbaz also introduced incentives for officers serving in the province, including air tickets for their families every three months and additional points for performance-based evaluations. He mentioned that this policy would be implemented in consultation with the Balochistan government. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to attract and retain top talent in the province, which is essential for effective governance and development.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal Khan, Mohsin Naqvi, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Upon arrival at Quetta Airport, PM Shehbaz was received by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Speaker of Balochistan Assembly Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Minister for Communication and Works Abdul Rehman Khetran, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir, Inspector General of Police, and other senior government officials. This high-level visit underscores the importance that the federal government places on Balochistan’s security and development.
