Govt approves military operation against terrorist groups in Balochistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday acknowledged the rise in terrorist attacks, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and pledged to take decisive action against terrorist elements to ensure the peace and progress of Pakistan. 

His comments came during a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP), which focused on "Reinvigorating Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism (CT) Campaign."

The meeting reviewed the evolving security situation, discussing efforts to address terrorism, sub-nationalism, religious extremism, and the crime-terror nexus, along with ongoing disinformation campaigns.

The PM described terrorism as a significant challenge, stressing the need to crush terrorist groups for the country's stability.

During the meeting, a comprehensive military operation against terrorist organisations in Balochistan, including groups like the Majeed Brigade, BLA, BLF, and BRAS, was approved.

These groups have been targeting civilians and foreign nationals to undermine Pakistan’s economic progress, with support from hostile external powers.

PM Shehbaz stressed the interconnectedness of political and economic stability, noting that no nation could progress without addressing both. He urged leadership across the country to contribute to these efforts, citing provincial support for the IMF program as a positive example of unity.

The PM also highlighted the need to expand the tax base, reduce tax evasion, and tackle issues like circular debt and energy theft to reduce reliance on foreign debt. He called for collective action, stating, "It is not about you and me; it is about us."

The committee underscored the importance of a unified political stance and a cohesive national narrative to address the country’s multifaceted challenges.

It was agreed that political consensus and cross-party support were crucial to revitalising counterterrorism efforts, guided by the Vision Azm-e-Istehkam framework.

Further measures included the revitalisation of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and the establishment of National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres. 

A “whole-of-system approach” involving diplomatic, political, informational, intelligence, socio-economic, and military efforts was adopted to address terrorism comprehensively.

Additionally, the formation of District Coordination Committees under provincial apex committees was agreed upon to ensure the implementation of government directives at the local level.

In a separate remark, PM Shehbaz dismissed the "politics of sit-ins," without directly mentioning the PTI's planned protest in Islamabad. He stated that the nation must choose between political disruptions or working toward progress. 

The meeting was attended by the federal cabinet, provincial chief ministers, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and senior government officials.