Talks with terrorists out of question: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday vowed that the government as well as the armed forces would collectively make the terrorists an example to accomplish the journey of the country's progress and prosperity.
"This is for sure, the armed forces and the law enforcement agencies will collectively make them (terrorists) an example. Without this, the country's journey of progress and prosperity cannot be accomplished. We have unity of thought and action on this," he remarked addressing the meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by him
The prime minister, referring to his Thursday visit to Quetta, said that the provincial government and the political leaders unanimously viewed that any talks with the anti-state elements were out of the question.
The prime minister briefed the cabinet on his recent visit to Quetta, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, such as the police and levies, in Balochistan.
The prime minister lauded the security forces for carrying out operations against the terrorists involved in attacks killing innocent people in Balochistan.
He paid tribute to the officers and personnel of the armed forces for killing five terrorists and injuring three others in different operations in Panjgur, Kech and Zhob districts.
"The war against terrorists will continue till the complete elimination of this scourge. We will make an example of those trying to create disorder in the country," he remarked.
The prime minister stated that the entire nation was committed to eliminating terrorism and setting an example by dealing firmly with terrorists.
He also praised the Balochistan provincial government for its commendable efforts to integrate Baloch youth into the national mainstream, aiming for their development and prosperity.
The prime minister stated that the federal government will fully support the Balochistan government in offering world-class education and equal development opportunities to Baloch youth.
He said the family members of the martyrs he interacted with during his visit, were in high morale despite losing their dear ones in the terrorist incident.
The prime minister said the federal government would implement the proposals put forward by the provincial political leaders during his visit.
He told the cabinet members that during the visit, the Quetta Corps Commander gave a presentation on challenges faced by Balochistan and how the terrorists, funded by foreign forces, were sowing hatred against Pakistan among the people. He said the civilian government was also taking effective measures for the youth's uplift.
Besides, the officers and the personnel of the armed forces were chasing the terrorists with the federal government's support, he said, and assured the federal government's support for the capacity building of Levies.
He told the meeting that both federal and provincial governments were taking measures to engage the youth and protect them from being detracted by the anti-state elements. He said a 10% additional quota had been allocated for Balochistan in the schemes like laptops and agricultural training in China. Besides, the federal government would spend Rs55 billion to solarise agricultural tube wells in Balochistan.