President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating that terrorist elements will be defeated at all costs and any attempt to divide the nation will not succeed.

He emphasised that Pakistan’s stance on terrorism remains firm and that winning this battle is imperative for national security.

The president made these remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting on law and order in Quetta.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also in attendance.

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Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, briefed the meeting on the province’s overall security situation.

The meeting was attended by Acting Governor of Balochistan Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, and other senior officials.

Focus on security, education and technology

Addressing the gathering, President Zardari stressed that Balochistan’s stability and development remain his top priorities. He underscored the importance of education, expressing his desire to see every child in school.

Additionally, he highlighted the need to equip the youth with modern technology to ensure their future success.

The president also announced that the Counter-Terrorism Wing would be provided with advanced weaponry to strengthen efforts against criminal elements and terrorists.

Engagement with political leaders

Later, President Zardari met with members of various parliamentary parties in Balochistan. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present.

During the meeting, opposition leaders and parliamentary representatives raised concerns and shared proposals on public welfare and the challenges facing the province.

Reaffirming his deep connection with the people of Balochistan, the president stressed the importance of national solidarity.

He assured the province’s leaders that their rights would be safeguarded, stating, “We do not believe in taking away rights; we believe in winning hearts by granting people what is rightfully theirs.”

He expressed confidence that the government’s efforts for Balochistan’s prosperity would yield lasting results.

President Zardari also announced plans to establish a special camp in Balochistan after Eid to directly address public grievances and hear suggestions from the people.

Political consensus on Balochistan’s progress

During the discussions, Opposition Leader in the Balochistan Assembly, Mir Younas Aziz Zehri, praised Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s initiatives and assured full cooperation.

Other notable attendees included National Party chief Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Pakistan Muslim League’s Parliamentary Leader Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Awami National Party’s Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai, and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mir Abdul Majeed Badini.

Provincial ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and assembly members were also present, reinforcing a collective commitment to addressing Balochistan’s security and development challenges.