Pakistan will respond with full force to safeguard its national prestige and the wellbeing of its people if its sovereignty or territorial integrity is violated, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir declared on Monday.
Speaking to participants of the 15th National Workshop Balochistan at GHQ, General Munir highlighted that foreign-sponsored terrorism remains the gravest threat to Balochistan's security and development, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.
He emphasised that while Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, any violation of its sovereignty or territorial integrity would be met with a decisive response.
The army chief warned that the nefarious designs of hostile elements, who sought to incite violence, spread fear, and destabilise the province, would not be allowed to succeed.
He stated that terrorism knew no religion, sect, or ethnicity, and must be confronted with unwavering national unity. He added that terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in the name of Baloch identity to advance their petty insidious agenda, were a blemish on Baloch honour and patriotism."
"Pakistan's Armed Forces and the law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) would continue to fight the menace of terrorism with the complete support of the people of Pakistan," the ISPR press release quoted the army chief as telling the participants of the workshop.
On the occasion, the army chief highlighted the government's persistent focus on improving the socioeconomic profile of Balochistan, and stated that the scale and scope of the ongoing and planned initiatives should serve to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard.
"Many development projects have already started, bearing fruit, benefiting the people of Balochistan," he said. Appreciating the role of the civil society in raising awareness among the people of Balochistan, especially the youth, he emphasised their role in enabling the progress leading to prosperity.
The National Workshop Balochistan is a recurring feature since 2016. It brings together a large number of male and female parliamentarians, bureaucrats, members of civil society, youth, academia and media representatives, with maximum representation from Balochistan.
The workshop, encompassing interactions, seminars, group discussions and visits to different parts of the country. It is aimed at enabling the future leadership of Balochistan in understanding vital national and provincial issues and mounting a cohesive response.
The workshop concluded after an engaging and candid Q&A session.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met Gen Asim Munir at the GHQ on Monday, the ISPR said in a statement.
The meeting featured constructive discussions on the geo-strategic environment, with particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security. The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination, the statement added.
The COAS reaffirmed that Pakistan and Iran are brotherly neighbours, bound by deep-rooted ties of shared history, culture, and religion.
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