Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for national cohesion to confront terrorism and ensure the prosperity and stability of the country during a special visit to Quetta on Monday.
Addressing a meeting on the law and order situation in Balochistan, the Prime Minister stated, “There is no room for political division or politics on national issues.”
His visit came after the martyrdom of 18 soldiers while thwarting a terrorist attack in Balochistan, with 23 terrorists being killed in subsequent operations.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists had attempted to set up roadblocks in Kalat’s Mangocher area. “This cowardly act of terrorism, instigated by hostile forces, was aimed at disturbing the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting innocent civilians.”
The statement mentioned that security forces and law enforcement agencies were immediately mobilized, “who successfully thwarted the terrorists’ plans, killing twelve of them and ensuring the safety of the local population.”
However, the ISPR added that 18 soldiers “made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom” during the operations, and efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators and facilitators of this act to justice.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of security personnel and emphasized the need for political unity in the face of national challenges.
He acknowledged that a new wave of terrorism had emerged in the country, and brave soldiers were shedding their blood to eliminate it. He paid tribute to the martyrs and expressed solidarity with their families.
The Prime Minister assured that under the leadership of the Army Chief and the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the armed forces would continue to work to bring peace to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, essential for the nation’s development and prosperity.
He highlighted that “terrorists are enemies of peace, development, and prosperity in Balochistan”, as they do not want the people of the province to be prosperous, educated, and employed.
PM Shehbaz also mentioned that initiatives like the Youth Program and Laptop Scheme are empowering students from Balochistan, and a special quota has been allocated for them in China for advanced agricultural training. Despite the challenges posed by terrorism, the journey of development in Balochistan will continue.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the development of Balochistan remains a priority for the government, and efforts are being made to improve health, education, and employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Quetta, where he met with injured personnel, praising their spirit of sacrifice for the nation.
During his interaction with the injured soldiers, he remarked, “You are all heroes of the nation. The entire nation, including me, is proud of you and your families, who embody the spirit of sacrifice. As long as the protection of the nation is entrusted to such brave soldiers, the enemy cannot impose its evil intentions on Pakistan.”
The Pakistani military and its people stand united in the fight against terrorism, he added.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Power Minister Owais Leghari during his visit.
