Civil-military leadership vows to stamp out terror

PM chairs apex committee meeting in Quetta Says India funding and arming terrorists Pledges to foil nefarious de

QUETTA:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the country's political and military leadership was fully united and determined to eradicate terrorism.

"The country's political and military leadership is fully united in its determination to eradicate terrorism, and this battle will continue until the last disruptive terrorist is eliminated," PM Shehbaz said while addressing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta.

He said the meeting was organised by the government in the wake of the attacks that took place in the province over the last four days, which claimed the lives of police officials, military personnel and citizens.

PM Shehbaz stressed the country would utilise all its resources to defeat the terrorists so that Pakistan enjoys progress and well-being.

He stated that there was no doubt that Pakistan's eastern neighbour country was fully involved in this menace of terrorism, providing terrorists with weapons, financial support, and other facilities.

The prime minister said that India was funding and arming the terrorists and their outfits to destabilise Pakistan, saying that these terrorists "seek support in Afghanistan and then launch joint attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan; however, the state will foil the nefarious designs of these elements under all circumstances."

"These terrorists, this Fitna-al Khawarij, bear evil intent to sabotage the respect earned at an international level by Pakistan after the recent diplomatic wins and last year's May four-day war's success," PM Shehbaz explained the context behind the series of attacks against the country.

He said that during the recent operation, 54 terrorists were sent to hell, adding that "We will continue to wage this war till the last troublemaker and terrorist is slain."

During his address, the premier, on behalf of the entire country, acknowledged the sacrifice of the military personnel, law enforcement agencies and citizens who lost their lives in the recent attacks.

Concluding his remarks, the premier paid tribute to those martyred by the notorious elements and said that their sacrifices will not go to waste.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and the heads of law enforcement agencies were also in attendance.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on a day-long visit, where he was received by the Balochistan governor, chief minister, and senior civil and military officials.

Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah were accompanying him during the visit, the PMO added.

PM Shehbaz's visit came in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, where 42 security personnel and civilians were martyred in three major incidents across the province this week.

Meanwhile, families mourning victims continued their protests at two locations in Quetta on Wednesday, refusing to bury their loved ones until they are granted a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The parallel sit-ins have disrupted traffic across several parts of the city and prompted authorities to tighten security ahead of the prime minister's expected visit.

At one protest camp outside BA Mall on Airport Road, relatives of five people killed in the Hanna Urak incident have remained on the road for the fifth straight day. A second sit-in is taking place near Coal Phattak, where the families of 13 police personnel martyred in the recent terrorist attack in Ziarat's Mangi Dam Phase III are also continuing their demonstration with the bodies of the fallen officers.

The protesters said they will not proceed with the burials until senior national leaders listen to their concerns and provide a clear commitment that their demands will be addressed.

According to official sources, 21 police personnel were martyred in the attack in Ziarat. Following post-mortem examinations at Civil Hospital Quetta, eight bodies were sent to their hometowns for burial, while the remaining 13 were taken to the protest site near Coala Phattak.

The demonstrations have attracted tribal elders, political figures, civil society members and residents, who have gathered to express solidarity with the bereaved families.

Road closures linked to the sit-ins have led to heavy traffic congestion on Airport Road, Coala Phattak and surrounding areas. Traffic police have diverted vehicles to alternative routes, although commuters continue to face long delays.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to arrive in Quetta later in the day to chair a meeting of the National Apex Committee. The meeting will bring together federal ministers, the Balochistan chief minister, senior military officials and law enforcement representatives to review the province's security situation, recent terrorist incidents and future counterterrorism measures.

Officials said the attack in Ziarat's Mangi Dam Phase III claimed the lives of 21 police personnel. Security forces later launched an operation against the attackers, during which 15 terrorists were killed, according to official statements. Meanwhile, the families protesting over the Hanna Urak incident have vowed to continue their sit-in until their demands receive a formal response.