He says the country remains committed to dismantling terrorist infrastructure wherever it poses a threat.
Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir poses for a group photograph with participants of the 20th Balochistan National Workshop at the Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Photo: ISPR
Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, saying that consistent efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by strong 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 Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Field Marshal made these 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 consistent efforts of security forces and law enforcement agencies, supported by the people, would ensure lasting peace in Balochistan.
Read: Six terrorists killed and several arrested in Mastung, Balochistan: state media
“Selective 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 that the State uses to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan refers to terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.
The army chief said foreign-sponsored proxies had persistently tried to fuel violence, undermine stability and disrupt peace in Balochistan.
“However, their nefarious designs will be defeated through a strong and decisive response by the armed forces, supported by the resilience and unity of the people of Pakistan,” he said.
During the interaction, Field Marshal Munir described Balochistan as the pride of Pakistan and said that the province was endowed 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 aimed to transform the socio-economic landscape of Balochistan through an inclusive and people-centric approach.
The defense forces chief also lauded the constructive role of civil society, academia, media and youth in strengthening national integration and contributing to long-term peace and prosperity of Balochistan.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for national unity and perseverance to shape the future trajectory of the country.
The session concluded with a candid and wide-ranging interaction, during which the 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 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.
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 policemen, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as Indian representative Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering gun battles that lasted for hours. The attackers also kidnapped several civilians and police officers after the assault. .
Following the attack, Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which is still ongoing, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.
Earlier on Thursday, security forces killed six terrorists and arrested several more, including male and female suicide bombers, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khad Kocha area of Mastung district of Balochistan.
