The chief of staff of the army (COAS), General Asim Munnir, reiterated the country’s business, the resolution to combat terrorism and to support development in Balutchistan, during an interaction with the participants of the 15th National Balutchistan workshop, held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.
Speaking on Monday at the event, Coas Munnir underlined the government’s commitment to the socioeconomic uprising in Balutchistan, said inter-service public relations (ISPR) in a press release.
“The scale and scope of current and planned initiatives should be used to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard,” he said. “Many development projects have already started to bear fruit, benefiting the inhabitants of Balutchistan,” he added.
He congratulated civil society, in particular the efforts led by young people, to promote awareness and contribute to the progress of the province. “Their role is essential to allow progress leading to prosperity,” added the coas.
Stressing the security problems, General Munir warned that terrorism sponsored by foreigners remains the most serious threat to the stability of Balutchistan. “The harmful conceptions of hostile elements, which seek to encourage violence, spread fear and destabilize the province, will not be allowed to succeed,” he said.
He condemned those who, under the guise of the Baloutche identity, engaged in terrorism. “Terrorist groups that perpetuate terror in the name of Baloutche identity to advance their insidious little program, are an imperfection on the honor and patriotism of Baloutch,” he said.
Returning Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he noted: “Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are raped, Pakistan will respond in all force to preserve its national prestige and its well-being of its people.”
Coas Munnir said that the armed forces and law enforcement organizations, supported by the country’s support, are continuing their campaign to eliminate terrorism.
“The armed forces and the Pakistan police will continue to fight the threat of terrorism with the total support of the people of Pakistan,” he concluded.
The workshop welcomed a diversified group of parliamentarians, bureaucrats, members of civil society, young people, academics and media representatives, with a strong emphasis on the representation of Balutchistan. He aimed to equip the province’s future leaders with a more in -depth idea of the national and provincial challenges.
