Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate what he described as India-backed terrorism in Balochistan, saying the country’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular decision” to eradicate terrorism and would continue operations until the last terrorist was eliminated.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while chairing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) in Quetta during a one-day visit to review the province’s law and order situation.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, heads of law enforcement agencies, senior civil and military officials, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the country’s civil and military leadership was fully united in confronting terrorism following a series of major attacks in Balochistan over the past four days.
“One thing is decided: it is a mutual and singular decision of the civil and military leadership that we must end terrorism collectively,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the recent attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 42 people, including civilians, police personnel and members of the security forces.
According to figures shared by the military a day earlier, the casualties included four civilians, 27 police personnel and 11 security personnel, while 54 terrorists were killed during intelligence-based operations and security responses carried out across the province.
Referring to the counterterrorism operations, the Prime Minister praised the security forces for their swift response and said the successful operations demonstrated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism.
“This war against terrorism will continue until the last fasaadi (mischief-maker) terrorist in Pakistan is eliminated,” he said.
Reiterating Pakistan’s allegations against India, Prime Minister Shehbaz said there was “no doubt” that the country’s eastern neighbour was backing terrorism in Balochistan.
“Our eastern neighbour is fully involved in this fitna in every aspect. They are providing money to these terrorists and their organisations, supplying them with weapons and supporting their activities,” he said.
The Prime Minister further alleged that terrorists involved in attacks in both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were operating from Afghan territory.
“These terrorists are sheltering in Afghanistan and collectively conduct attacks in Balochistan and KP,” he said.
He also referred to “other external hands” involved in supporting terrorism but said he did not wish to elaborate further at the meeting.
“There are also some khariji hands, about which I do not want to say anything further here,” he added.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan’s enemies were attempting to undermine the country’s growing international standing and diplomatic achievements through acts of terrorism.
He said hostile elements had failed to accept Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes and were therefore trying to create instability inside the country.
Referring to Pakistan’s recent military and diplomatic achievements, he said the country’s adversaries had been unable to digest the respect and recognition Pakistan had earned internationally, including what he described as diplomatic successes and the events surrounding last year’s four-day conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also referred to Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK), the term used by the government for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, saying the group’s objective was to damage Pakistan’s international reputation and destabilise the country through terrorist violence.
He stressed that the sacrifices of civilians, police personnel and security forces would not go in vain.
“We will continue this fight together, day and night. We will not step back. Every available resource will be utilised, and the campaign against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” he said.
Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s future, the Prime Minister said the country would continue its journey towards peace, economic development and prosperity despite attempts by hostile forces to create instability.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Quetta on a one-day visit, where he was received by Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and senior civil and military officials before chairing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting.
The Prime Minister’s visit came a day after the military announced that terrorist attacks and subsequent counterterrorism operations in Balochistan since July 5 had left four civilians, 27 police personnel and 11 security personnel martyred, while 54 terrorists were killed during intelligence-based operations and security responses across the province.
