Terrorists not fightingfor rights, freedom, says Balochistan minister

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langue has said terrorists are not fighting for rights or freedom but are misleading Baloch youth for their own objectives. He urged the Baloch people to think about the future of themselves and their generations, saying the militants had no place in the province's political or social fabric.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta alongside Assistant Home Minister Babar Yousafzai, Langue said the people of Balochistan celebrated Independence Day enthusiastically, while security forces made effective arrangements to ensure peace.

The minister said he was in his constituency, Qalat, during the celebrations and attended several meetings and events. While returning to Quetta, his convoy came under fire by armed men in the Mastung area.

He said police personnel fought back against the attackers, while the Frontier Corps, Anti-Terrorist Force and police launched a timely response. Five security personnel were injured in the attack. A police vehicle was also surrounded by the attackers, but security forces managed to bring the situation under control.

Langau said the Baloch people had suffered greatly and terrorism could not be portrayed as a struggle for rights or independence. He alleged that militants were extorting money from farmers and depriving people of basic services. He further claimed that the militants were being backed by India and Afghanistan.