Attacks in Balochistan directed from across western border, says Ahsan Iqbal

Interior Minister tells UK envoy conspiracies against motherland will be defeated

ISLAMABAD: Elements from across the country’s western border are responsible for a surge in terrorist attacks in Balochistan, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Thursday.

The minister told British High Commissioner Thomas Drew that Pakistan’s achievements and sacrifices in the war against terrorism were unparalleled, which must be acknowledged and appreciated by the international community.

Drew called on Iqbal here on Thursday, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry. In the meeting, bilateral issues came under discussion. The minister termed the Pak-UK ties cordial and long-lasting and based on strong historic links and the Pakistani community in Britain.

The minister said that the surge in terrorist incidents in Balochistan was because of the attacks perpetrated by elements from across the country’s western border. “However, we are resolved to defeat any conspiracies against our motherland,” he added.



Iqbal said the international community must acknowledge the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan for peace and stability in the region. “Achievements and sacrifices by Pakistan against terrorism are unparalleled,” he asserted.

“New image of Pakistan is evolving in the international arena and we are striving for good relations with all the nations to preserve the image of Pakistan as a peace-loving country. It is our goal to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region.”

Iqbal said that the anti-terror National Action Plan (NAP) was being implemented with full vigour, adding that the government was making concerted efforts to modernise the law-enforcement agencies. He told the UK envoy: “Security institutions are strictly monitoring the activities of proscribed organisations in Pakistan.”

The British high commissioner lauded the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani security personnel in the war against terrorism. “Britain will not allow any citizen to sow the seeds of disharmony in any other country,” he added.