Naqvi chairs high-level security meeting in Quetta, pledges support to Balochistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday pledged support to Balochistan amid a recent series of terrorist attacks that have affected the overall security situation in the province.

He visited Quetta, where he met Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and co-chaired a high-level meeting on the law and order situation in the province.

The meeting took place as Balochistan has witnessed a recent surge in violence, with a series of deadly attacks over the past few days raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Interior, the meeting reviewed the overall security situation in Balochistan, ongoing measures and future strategy of the government.

The Chief Minister gave a detailed briefing on the current law and order situation, measures taken to maintain peace and the road map to improve security across the province.

The participants resolved to further strengthen the professional capacity of the Anti-Terrorism Force (CTF) and the Balochistan Police, while also agreeing to accelerate progress on decisions to strengthen the provincial police force as the ministry assured its full cooperation in providing the required resources.

Speaking at the meeting, Naqvi said the federal government would continue to provide all possible support to ensure lasting peace in Balochistan.

Read: Field Marshal Munir reaffirms resolve to eliminate terrorism, restore peace in Balochistan amid recent spate of attacks

“The immediate and effective implementation of the master plan for the restoration of peace is the need of the hour,” he said.

He also stressed that the experience and expertise of former Balochistan police chiefs should be used to shape the province’s law and order strategy.

“Modern technology, improved intelligence and a coordinated strategy are indispensable in the fight against terrorism,” the interior minister said, adding that the federal and provincial governments were moving forward in complete unity and coordination to establish peace.

CM Bugti reiterated the provincial government’s determination to fight terrorism, saying the government would stay ahead on all fronts in the fight against terrorism and would not bow to any pressure.

“The state mandate will be established at all costs and no room will be left for terrorists,” the chief minister added.

Bugti said providing young people with opportunities for positive activities, education, skills development and employment remained the government’s top priority.

“By promoting merit, we restore the confidence of young people and provide them with equal opportunities to advance,” he said.

Highlighting the link between security and development, the Chief Minister said, “Peace, progress and prosperity are interconnected. We will ensure simultaneous progress on both fronts in Balochistan.

He added that with the cooperation of the federation, efforts to establish law and order and accelerate the implementation of development projects in the province would be further intensified.

Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 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.

Learn more: Number of terrorists killed in Al-Azm operation in Balochistan reaches 13

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, thwarted 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 police officers, were killed when terrorists identified by the state as Indian proxies. Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in Kach Mangi Phase III area of ​​Ziarat, triggering exchange of fire which lasted for hours. The attackers also kidnapped several civilians and police officers after the assault.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Border Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which is continuing, with the forces intensifying their actions against terrorists across the province.