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

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday pledged support to Balochistan amid a spate of recent terror attacks that have affected the province’s overall security situation.

He visited Quetta where he met Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and co-chaired a high-level meeting on the province’s law and order situation.

The meeting came as Balochistan has witnessed a recent surge in violence, with a series of deadly attacks in recent days raising fresh concerns about the province’s deteriorating law and order situation.

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

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

The participants further resolved to strengthen the professional capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) and the Balochistan Police, while agreeing to accelerate progress on decisions aimed at strengthening the provincial police force, as the ministry assured its full cooperation in providing the necessary resources.

Addressing the meeting, Naqvi said the federal government would continue to extend every possible support to ensure lasting peace in Balochistan.

Read: Field Marshal Munir reaffirms resolve to eliminate terrorism, restore peace in Balochistan amid latest spate of attacks

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

He also emphasized that the experience and expertise of former Balochistan police chiefs should be used to frame the law and order strategy of the province.

“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 complete unity and coordination to bring about peace.

Reiterating the provincial government’s resolve to fight terrorism, CM Bugti said the government would remain one step ahead on all fronts in the fight against terrorism and would not bow down to any pressure.

“The writ of the state will be established at any cost and no room will be left for terrorists,” the chief minister added.

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

“By promoting merit, we restore the confidence of young people and give them equal opportunities to progress,” he said.

Emphasizing the link between security and development, the chief minister said, “Peace, progress and prosperity are interrelated. We will ensure simultaneous progress on both fronts in Balochistan.”

He added that with the cooperation of the federation, efforts to establish law and order and speed up the implementation of development projects in the province would be further intensified.

Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 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.

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

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 ambushed police personnel posted in Kach Mangi Phase III area of ​​Ziarat, triggering hour-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 and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains ongoing, with forces intensifying efforts against terrorists across the province.