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

Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday pledged support to Balochistan amid a recent series of terror 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 came as Balochistan has witnessed a recent surge in violence, with a series of deadly attacks in recent days raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.

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

The Prime Minister gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing law and order situation, measures being taken to maintain peace and the roadmap to improve security across the province.

The participants decided to further enhance the professional capacity of the Counter Terrorism Force (CTF) and Balochistan Police and at the same time agreed to accelerate progress on decisions aimed at strengthening the provincial police force, while the ministry ensured their full cooperation in providing necessary resources.

Addressing the meeting, Naqvi said that the federal government will continue to provide all possible support to ensure lasting peace in Balochistan.

Read: Field Marshal Munir reaffirms his resolve to eliminate terrorism and restore peace in Balochistan amid a recent spate of attacks.

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

He also highlighted that the experience and knowledge 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 with full unity and coordination to establish peace.

CM Bugti reiterated the provincial government’s resolve to combat terrorism, saying that the government will remain one step ahead on all fronts of the fight against terrorism and will not give in to any pressure.

“State power will be maintained at all costs and no space will be left for terrorists,” the prime minister added.

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

“By promoting merit, we are restoring the confidence of young people and giving them equal opportunities to move forward,” he said.

Emphasizing 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 will be further intensified to establish law and order and accelerate the implementation of development projects in the province.

Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, in recent months. Although KP has been hit hardest by the violence, Balochistan has also remained a major target of what the state describes as Indian proxies, who have often attacked civilians and military installations in the province.

Read more: Number of terrorists killed in Operation Al-Azm in Balochistan reaches 13

In one such attack on the last day of last year, terrorists attacked civilians in Gwadar and Kharan districts, martyring 18 people, including women, children, elderly and workers. Security forces and law enforcement agencies responded immediately and, according to the military, foiled the “evil designs” of the terrorists, killing 92 militants. Fifteen security personnel were also killed during the operation.

Forces continued operations in all provinces against what the State describes as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies, but despite these efforts, the groups have continued to attack civilian and defense facilities.

Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 police officers, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as representing India Fitna al-Hindustan They ambushed police personnel deployed in Kach Mangi Phase III area of ​​Ziarat, leading to gunfights that lasted for hours. The attackers also kidnapped several civilians and police officers after the assault.

Following the attack, Pakistan Army, Border Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which is still ongoing, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.