Balochistan govt announces ‘all-out war’ against terrorists amid rising unrest

Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai on Sunday expressed his unwavering determination of going all-out against terrorists and waging a war against those involved in sabotaging the peace of the province.

During a press conference held in Quetta, the minister lauded the Chief of Army Staff's (COAS) dedication to the fight against terror and emphasised the joint efforts of provincial and federal governments in countering extremism and terrorism.

Achakzai disclosed that authorities had recovered the remains of the suicide bomber responsible for the tragic incident during the 12 Rabiul Awwal procession in Mastung on Friday. The death toll now stands at 60, including religious leaders and children, along with a police officer.

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He identified the perpetrator of the Mastung terrorist attack as a young individual aged between 15 and 18. He firmly stated that Balochistan had no place for terrorism and assured that the state was fully aware of the culprits and facilitators behind the incident, pledging swift justice.

In a gesture of support for the victims' families, Achakzai announced compensation of Rs1.5 million for each martyr's heirs and assured compensation for the injured. He directed the health department to ensure the provision of the best medical treatment to those affected by the blast.

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Echoing the sentiments of Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Achakzai asserted that the Indian intelligence agency RAW was responsible for the unrest and terrorist acts in Balochistan. “Such elements would not be spared at any costs”, he concluded.

On Saturday, the interior minister, in a hurriedly called news conference at the CM Secretariat, said, “RAW is behind the deadly Mastung blast. As a state, we have decided to eliminate terrorists and their facilitators." Balochistan Home Minister Captain (retd) Zubair Jamali, Information Minister Jan Achakzai and others were also present.

Bugti said that the elements involved in this heinous crime would be brought to book and that the government had directed all law enforcement agencies to arrest the culprits. "[There is] zero tolerance [for terrorist activities] and no place for terrorism and extremism," Bugti warned. The minister said intelligence based operations would be conducted to apprehend and eliminate the terrorists involved in such tragic incidents.

"This is a tragedy beyond words … my heart goes out to the broken families," he said. "As a state, we know who is behind such tragic incidents." He said that the government also knew who was sponsoring such terrorist attacks. "We cannot tolerate bloodshed of innocent Pakistanis," Bugti said.