Rawalpindi:
The chief military spokesman said on Saturday that Balutchistan residents are providing more and more information on terrorists and their facilitators, a decision he has qualified as successful terrorism control operations in the province.
Lieutenant-general Ahmed Sharif, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), told students during a special army internship program that intelligence-based operations (IBOS) are counting strongly on local cooperation.
“We do not put the scanning operations unless the inhabitants support us by identifying threats. The military presence does not guarantee an area-local property is the key,” he said in a frank discussion with the students, where he answered questions concerning military operations, regional concerns and national unity.
“If a citizen provides shelter to terrorists or keeps explosives in his house, he will face the consequences,” said Lieutenant-General Sharif while dissipating the impression that military operations target communities.
“The whole region or the village cannot be punished for a person’s terrorism,” he added. “Our operations do not consist in moving communities or punishing entire regions. We only offer confirmed terrorists according to solid intelligence.”
He said the security forces were working to exhibit not only terrorists, but also their facilitators and supporters. “Residents of Balutchistan support themselves against terrorism and underline those who house or facilitate terrorists,” added Lieutenant-General Sharif.
Balutchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, were plagued by a separatist Baloutque insurrection of several decades as well as to attacks by religious extremists. The province has experienced frequent assault on security forces, government facilities and sustained projects in China.
The military spokesman congratulated the people of Balutchistan for what they described as growing resistance to terrorist groups, saying that many were “helpless and fed up with terrorists”. He cited the examples of young Baloch professionals, including assistant commissioners, as signs of progress.
He specially mentioned Dr. Samad Yar Jang, a scientist formed by Cambridge, and Shahzaib Rind, Pakistan Wushu and the Kickboxing champion, known for his success in Karate Combat. He added that Balouthes women now occupy higher administrative positions, such as assistant commissioners, who, according to him, symbolize progress and empowerment. The talented and educated youth has become the mastery of their destiny, he added.
“There is a false common idea that young Balochs are disconnected from Pakistan. In reality, they understand very well the link between their province and the nation,” said the military spokesman.
Lieutenant-General Sharif also paid tribute to Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, a martyred officer during a bomb attack in Balutchistan. Major Kakar Shaheed, a courageous soil son, had previously played a key role in the repair of an attack on the PC hotel in Gwadar in 2019, he added. “Civilians officers, sacrifices are made every day to keep Pakistan safe.”
Referring to the ideological roots of Pakistan, Lieutenant-General Shari said that Pakistan had been created on the basis of “Kalima” and not on ethnic or linguistic lines. “The Prophet Muhammad (PSL) has taught us that no race or ethnic origin is superior to another. It is the foundation of our country,” he added.
He also underlined the diversified ethnic composition of Balutchistan, saying that more than 30% of its population includes pachtounes, and many Baloutque tribes live outside the province of Sindh and South Punjab. “Pakistan is not only a country; it is an idea rooted in unity, faith and goal,” he added.
