President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday underscored the importance of defeating terrorism “at all costs” during his visit to Quetta amidst a heightened security crisis in Balochistan.
Zardari’s visit follows a surge in terrorism incidents in both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Recent tragedies include the unprecedented Jaffar Express hijacking, which claimed at least 31 lives, and a suicide attack in Noshki District that left five dead. Additionally, several assaults on law enforcement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflect the severity of the situation.
During his one-day trip, the president chaired a briefing on Balochistan’s law and order situation, pledging unwavering efforts to obliterate terrorism. “The war against terrorism must be won; the survival of the state depends on it,” he asserted.
Zardari promised to arm counterterrorism forces with advanced weaponry while also emphasizing the need for long-term development and peace in the region. He described Balochistan as “close to his heart” and called for ensuring every child in the province has access to education and modern technology.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari joined the meeting, along with Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and other provincial ministers. They also met with parliamentary party representatives who raised issues regarding public welfare and governance challenges.
Zardari pledged that the government would uphold the rights of the people of Balochistan, stating, “We do not believe in taking rights away but in winning hearts by granting due rights.” He announced plans to establish a special camp in Balochistan following Eidul Fitr to directly address public grievances and suggestions.
This call for national unity echos sentiments expressed a day earlier by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The committee highlighted the urgent need to implement counterterrorism frameworks like the National Action Plan while Army Chief Gen Asim Munir attributed the rise in terrorism to governance gaps.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a recent visit to Quetta, also emphasized the need for political consensus and national unity in combating terrorism.
