Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan cannot make progress unless terrorism is eradicated from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. Chairman of a meeting on the security situation in Balochistan on Thursday, the prime minister was informed by chief minister Sarfraz Bugti.
With reference to the recent attack on a passenger train, PM Shehbaz the assailants to disregard Ramadan’s holiness. “Defenseless passengers were taken hostage in the desert. Under the management of the army chief, security forces saved successfully 339 passengers,” he said.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the public and the government of Special Services Group’s (SSG) Zarrar Company and said it was specifically set up to counter such terrorist threats.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that the entire nation mourned the attack on Jaffer Express. “Pakistan cannot afford another such tragedy. Everyone has to play their role in ensuring security. Balochistan’s progress is important for Pakistan’s overall development,” he added.
After questioning the resurgence of terrorism, PM said, “Terrorism had been crushed before – so why was it resurrected? Unfortunately, some people’s remarks about this incident were so inappropriate that they can’t even be repeated.”
He criticized what he called “the enemy propaganda,” and said, “It is disappointing how our Eastern neighbor stranger the tale of Pakistan’s opponents.”
The Prime Minister also condemned the release of certain militants in the past. “Some Taliban members with dark stories were released. Poison is exposed to the state and the army. There is no greater hostility action than honoring our military,” he said.
He praised the armed forces for their victims, especially in Balochistan and KP, adding that their efforts had prevented thousands of children from becoming an orphan.
PM Shehbaz warned against the actions of “Infiltrators and enemies disguised as friends” who, he said, hurts Pakistan. “If we do not eliminate terrorism, our journey towards development will be derailed,” he claimed.
Stmitten also announced plans for an All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss Balochistan’s challenges. “Terrorists will use any tactic to create division among the people. At this point, the national unit is the need for the hour,” he emphasized.
“I haven’t come to Balochistan for political point scoring,” he said. “Even now we have to learn from the past and move on. The political leadership throughout the country has to meet to discuss the challenges Pakistan is facing,” he added.
