Naqvi chairs high-level security meeting in Quetta, vows support for Balochistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday vowed support for Balochistan amid a recent string of terrorist attacks that have affected the province's overall security situation.

He visited Quetta, where he met Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and co-chaired a high-level meeting on the province's law and order situation.

The meeting came as Balochistan has witnessed a recent surge in violence, with a series of deadly attacks over the past several days raising fresh concerns about the province's deteriorating law and order situation.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Interior, the meeting reviewed the overall security situation in Balochistan, ongoing measures and the government's future strategy.

The chief minister gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing law and order situation, steps being taken to maintain peace, and the roadmap for improving security across the province.

The participants decided to further enhance the professional capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) and the Balochistan Police while also agreeing to expedite progress on decisions aimed at strengthening the provincial police force, as the ministry assured its full cooperation in providing the required resources.

Speaking at the meeting, Naqvi said the federal government would continue to extend every possible support for ensuring lasting peace in Balochistan.

Read: Field Marshal Munir reaffirms resolve to eliminate terrorism, restore peace in Balochistan amid recent string of attacks

"The immediate and effective implementation of the master plan for the restoration of peace is the need of the hour," he said.

He also stressed that the experience and expertise of former heads of the Balochistan Police should be utilised in shaping the province's law and order strategy.

"Modern technology, improved intelligence and a coordinated strategy are indispensable in the fight against terrorism," the interior minister said, adding that the federal and provincial governments were moving forward with complete unity and coordination to establish peace.

CM Bugti reiterated the provincial government's resolve to combat terrorism, saying the government would remain one step ahead on every front in the fight against terrorism and would not bow to any pressure.

"The writ of the state will be established at all costs, and no space will be left for terrorists," the chief minister added.

Bugti said providing young people with opportunities for positive activities, education, skills development and employment remained the government's top priority.

"By promoting merit, we are restoring the confidence of the youth and providing them with equal opportunities to move forward," he said.

Emphasising the link between security and development, the chief minister said, "Peace, progress and prosperity are interconnected. We will ensure simultaneous progress on both fronts in Balochistan."

He added that, with the federation's cooperation, efforts to establish law and order and accelerate the implementation of development projects in the province would be further intensified.

Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, in recent months. Although K-P has borne the brunt of the violence, Balochistan has also remained a major target of what the state describes as Indian proxies, which have often targeted civilians and military installations in the province.

Read More: Number of terrorists killed in Balochistan's Operation Al-Azm reaches 13

In one such attack on the last day of last year, terrorists targeted civilians in Gwadar and Kharan districts, where 18 people, including women, children, the elderly and labourers, were martyred. Security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately responded and, according to the military, thwarted the "evil designs" of the terrorists, killing 92 militants. Fifteen security personnel were also martyred during the operation.

The forces continued operations across the provinces against what the state describes as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies, but despite these efforts, the groups have continued to target civilian and defence installations.

Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains underway, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.