With Balochistan facing growing security threats, President Asif Ali Zardari vowed to win the “war against terrorism” at all costs, stressing the need for decisive action during his visit to Quetta.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Chairing a meeting on the law and order situation in Balochistan, the president underscored the threat posed by terrorists seeking to divide the nation.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Acting Governor of Balochistan Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, and other senior officials.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti briefed the meeting on the province’s law and order situation.
“The situation is clear — the state will continue to exist, and we must win the war against terrorism,” the president remarked.
Announcing that the government would equip the anti-terrorism wing with the latest weapons, President Zardari reaffirmed that Balochistan was close to their hearts and emphasised the commitment to its development and lasting peace.
The president said the government aimed to ensure every child in Balochistan was enrolled in school. “It is imperative to make children aware of modern technology,” President Zardari added.
Last week, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants sabotaged train tracks and hijacked the Jaffar Express, holding over 440 passengers hostage for a day-long standoff with security forces in Bolan’s remote mountains.
The military, after clearing the train and rescuing hostages, said it killed 33 attackers. Before the operation began, terrorists had martyred 26 passengers, while four security personnel were martyred during the operation.
The martyred train passengers included 18 security personnel from the army and the FC, three officials from Pakistan Railways and other departments and five civilians.
And on Sunday, at least five paramilitaries were martyred in a vehicle-borne suicide attack. The assaults were claimed by the BLA, one of a number of separatist groups operating in Balochistan near the borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
