Quetta trip : Balochistan’s people have rejected anti-state elements: COAS

Says enemies averse to development of Balochistan

QUETTA: The enemies of Pakistan want to create hurdles in the way of Balochistan’s development as they know that Pakistan’s prosperity is linked with the prosperity of this province, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday.

"Development of Baloch­istan is the development of Pakistan. That is why our enemies want to create hurdles in the bright future of this province. I’m delighted that the people of Balochistan are well aware of this reality and have rejected anti-state elements," Gen Qamar said on Monday.

He was speaking at a passing-out ceremony of Balochistan recruits in Quetta where attendees included armed forces officials, provincial ministers and families of the recruits. Development of Balochistan is our priority and the people of Balochistan have now a firm belief that the destination of their prosperity has become a reality, he said.

Gen Qamar said Operation Zarb-e-Azb had brought considerable improvement in the internal security environment of the country. “Consolidation and retention [of the gains of this operation] is a challenge, but we shall do it at all costs.”

The army chief said the global geopolitical and geo-economics environment was evolving and the multibillion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project had changed the dynamics of the region, which, he said, is in focus now.



“This project is critical to our economic progress and stability, and we shall do it at all costs,” he said, adding that with the timely completion of CPEC, the region would enter a new era of development and for that Pakistan Army was working round-the-clock.

Pakistan Army is a symbol of national integration and has representation from all provinces according to their population ratio, he said. “Pakistan Army is extending all-out support for capacity building of police and other law enforcement agencies.” Undoubtedly every citizen of Balochistan is our pride and dignity, he said. “Thousands of youth from the province have been inducted as officers and soldiers in the army, police and other departments.”

He said the nature has bestowed Balochistan with countless resources and its people possess immense qualities.  “I hope Balochistan’s natural resources will open up new opportunities for its people, who will play a key role in the country’s development.”

The army chief said that irrespective of their limited resources, the armed forces had always tried to play a positive role for educational, social and economic uplift of the province. “We believe in action and our work is before you,” he added.

The army chief said ‘the brave and courageous sons’ of Balochistan were committed to sacrificing their lives for the country.

He said the day was not far away when patriotism and solidarity of the Baloch people would eliminate those elements who preach hatred and terror, and Balochistan would not only become a centre of peace but also an example of progress and prosperity. “The doors are always opened for those innocents who had become victims of enemies’ conspiracies. Our enmity is only with those who are enemies of Pakistan,” he said.

Gen Qamar said it was his third visit to the province after taking over as army chief. “This shows how much the people of Balochistan are dear to me,” he said.

He congratulated all recruits and their families for successful completion of their training and joining Pakistan Army, the FC and police. “The parents and teachers deserve appreciation for their support and providing guidance to achieve the goal,” he said. [WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP]

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2016.