The country remains committed to dismantling terrorist infrastructure wherever it poses a threat
Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir poses for a group photo with participants of the 20th Balochistan National Workshop at the headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Photo: ISPR
Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s determination to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, saying the constant efforts of security and law enforcement agencies, backed by the unwavering support of the people, would bring lasting peace to Balochistan amid a recent spate of attacks in the restive province.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Marshal made the remarks while interacting with the participants of the 20th Balochistan National Workshop at the headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Addressing the participants, Field Marshal Munir said that constant efforts of security and law enforcement agencies, supported by the people, would ensure lasting peace in Balochistan.
Read: 6 terrorists killed, several arrested in Mastung, Balochistan, state media says
“Targeted operations against Fitna Al Khawarij And Fitna al Hindustan we will continue with full determination until the menace of terrorism and its accomplices are eliminated from Pakistan,” he said, reaffirming the country’s resolve to dismantle terrorist infrastructure wherever it poses a threat to Pakistan and its people.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan refers to terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.
The army chief said foreign-sponsored proxies constantly sought to fuel violence, undermine stability and disrupt peace in Balochistan.
“Their nefarious designs, however, will be defeated through a strong and decisive response from the armed forces, supported by the resilience and unity of the Pakistani people,” he said.
During the interaction, Field Marshal Munir described Balochistan as the pride of Pakistan, saying the province was blessed with immense natural wealth and blessed with a vibrant, resilient and patriotic people who were its greatest strength.
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He highlighted the ongoing development initiatives of the federal and provincial governments, saying they were aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of Balochistan through an inclusive and people-centric approach.
The Chief of Defense Force also lauded the constructive role of civil society, academia, media and youth in strengthening national integration and contributing to the long-term peace and prosperity of Balochistan.
He further stressed the need for national unity and perseverance in shaping the future trajectory of the country.
The session concluded with a candid and wide-ranging interaction, during which participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to the stability, progress and sovereignty of Pakistan.
Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, in recent months. Although KP bore the brunt of the violence, Balochistan also remained a major target of what the state described as Indian proxies, who often targeted civilians and military installations in the province.
In one such attack on the last day of last year, terrorists targeted civilians in Gwadar and Kharan districts, where 18 people, including women, children, elderly people and laborers, were killed. Security and law enforcement agencies responded immediately and, according to the military, foiled the terrorists’ “evil designs”, killing 92 militants. Fifteen members of the security forces were also martyred during the operation.
Forces continued operations in all provinces against what the state described as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies, but despite these efforts, the groups continued to target civilian and military installations.
Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 policemen, were killed when terrorists identified by the state as Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long exchange of fire. The attackers also kidnapped several civilians and police officers after the assault. .
In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which is continuing, with the forces intensifying their actions against terrorists across the province.
Earlier on Thursday, security forces killed six terrorists and arrested several others, including male and female suicide bombers, during an intelligence operation (IBO) in Khad Kocha area of Mastung district of Balochistan.
