- COAS says that the people of Balochistan are the true strength of Pakistan.
- Highlights federal, provincial efforts for socio-economic upliftment.
- Emphasizes youth empowerment for provincial development.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, said on Tuesday that India-backed proxies, Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij, were spreading anti-people and anti-development agendas in Balochistan with malicious intent to inflict violence.
“All necessary actions are being taken to pursue these terrorists and rid the province of this menace,” the field marshal said while interacting with participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday.
During his speech, COAS Munir said that Balochistan is the pride of Pakistan, endowed with vibrant, resilient and patriotic people who are its true wealth.
He highlighted the development initiatives of the federal and provincial governments aimed at uplifting the province’s socio-economic landscape through a people-centric approach, stressing the need to realize its huge economic potential.
Acknowledging the constructive role of civil society, especially in engaging and empowering the youth, he emphasized their central role in ensuring sustainable development and addressing fixed political agendas for the long-term prosperity of Balochistan.
The Field Marshal reiterated that while Pakistan seeks regional peace and stability, any violation of the country’s territorial integrity, directly or indirectly, will be met with a firm and decisive response to ensure the lives and welfare of its citizens.
The workshop concluded with a frank, interactive question and answer session between the army chief and the participants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan – both of which share a porous border with neighboring Afghanistan – faced the brunt of the terrorist incidents, accounting for more than 96% of the total violence across the country.
Balochistan, according to a report issued by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), witnessed at least 25% of the total violence-related deaths (230) and incidents (85).
During his last visit to Balochistan, Field Marshal Munir emphasized the importance of a joint civil-military effort to tackle the challenges faced by the people.
