Says the country remains committed to dismantling terrorist infrastructure wherever it poses a threat
The Chief of Defense and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir poses for a group photo with participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at the headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Photo: ISPR
The Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to dismantle terror infrastructure, saying consistent efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by the steadfast support of the people, would bring lasting peace to Balochistan amid a spate of recent attacks in the restive province.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Field Marshal made the remarks while interacting with participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at the headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Addressing the participants, Field Marshal Munir said that the consistent efforts of security forces and law enforcement agencies, supported by the people, would ensure lasting peace in Balochistan.
Read: 6 terrorists killed, several arrested in Balochistan’s Mastung: state media
“Targeted operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan will continue with full determination until the threat of terrorism and its supporters is eliminated from Pakistan,” he said, reaffirming the country’s determination to dismantle terrorist infrastructure wherever it poses a threat to Pakistan and its people.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan refers to terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.
The army chief said foreign-sponsored proxies had been persistently trying to fuel violence, undermine stability and disrupt peace in Balochistan.
“However, their malicious designs will be defeated through firm and determined 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 vibrant, resilient and patriotic people who constituted its greatest strength.
Also read: Security forces kill 10 terrorists
Highlighting the ongoing development initiatives of the federal and provincial governments, he said they were aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of Balochistan through an inclusive and people-centric approach.
The Chief of Defense Forces also praised the constructive role of civil society, academia, media and youth in strengthening national integration and contributing to long-term peace and prosperity of Balochistan.
He further emphasized the need for national unity and perseverance to shape the country’s future trajectory.
The session concluded with a frank and wide-ranging interaction where the participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to Pakistan’s stability, progress and sovereignty.
Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, in recent months. Although KP has borne the brunt of the violence, Balochistan has also remained a major target of what the state describes as Indian proxies, who have often targeted civilian and military installations in the province.
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 and laborers were martyred. Security forces and law enforcement agencies responded immediately and foiled the terrorists’ “evil plans,” killing 92 militants, according to the military. Fifteen security personnel were also martyred during the operation.
Forces continued cross-province operations against what the state describes as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies, but despite these efforts, the groups have continued to target civilians and defense installations.
Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 policemen, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan attacked police personnel posted in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and policemen after the attack. .
In the wake of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains ongoing, with forces intensifying efforts against terrorists across the province.
Earlier on Thursday, security forces killed six terrorists and arrested several others, including male and female suicide bombers, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Khad Kocha area of Balochistan’s Mastung district.
