Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Muir reaffirmed their resolve on Thursday to prevent inimical forces from disrupting the peace and development of Balochistan “at any cost.”

The prime minister said this while presiding over a meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan in Quetta.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, COAS General Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers of planning, interior, commerce, information & EAD, Balochistan chief minister, key provincial ministers, provincial secretaries, Balochistan corps commander and senior civil, police, intelligence and military officials.

The prime minister commended the sacrifices and contributions of the people of Balochistan towards national progress and development and resolved that enemies of Pakistan, bent on creating unrest in Balochistan, would be defeated with “full force” and national support.

The entire nation was grieved by Balochistan attacks, he said and added: “Khawarij who shed the blood of innocent people would not be spared.”

He went on to add that Balochistan was an “important and beautiful province” of Pakistan, and all obstacles in its path to development and prosperity would be removed.

The prime minister said that the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the motherland and the innocent civilians would not go to waste. The prime minister made it clear that dialogues could only be possible with those who respect the Constitution of Pakistan and salute the national flag.

Participants of the meeting offered prayers for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, and praising the bravery of security forces for their timely response in preventing further loss of innocent lives.

The committee condemned the terrorist attacks targeting Pakistanis and resolved to intensify counter-terrorism efforts in the province, leveraging multi-domain resources to eradicate terrorism.

A comprehensive review of the security situation in Balochistan and ongoing operations against terrorists was conducted and the committee decided to further solidify intelligence sharing and coordination among security forces and law enforcement agencies.

The forum also agreed to enhance the capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Department, police, levies, and associated departments.

It vowed to bring the “planners, instigators, facilitators, and perpetrators of the cowardly attacks to justice, ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and properties at all costs.”

The prime minister also distributed cheques among the families of those who were martyred in the terrorist attacks.

PM Shehbaz vows to root out terrorism

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.”

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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.”