IGFC vows to crush those sowing discord in Balochistan

Maj Gen Sher Afgun says some internal elements are working for hostile operators abroad.

QUETTA:

The head of the paramilitary Frontier Corps in Balochistan vowed on Saturday to crush all those playing into the hands of foreign operators who were sowing discord in the province.

Major General Sher Afgun, inspector general of the Frontier Corps (IGFC) in Balochistan, said that some internal elements were working for their external operators to undermine peace and progress in the province. But with the help of the masses, security forces will defeat the enemies of Pakistan.

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He shared these views while addressing an Iftar dinner hosted by FC Balochistan at its head office in Quetta the other day.

Maj Gen Sher Afgun pointed out that some self-styled leaders of the province were trying to misguide the Baloch people from the safe confines of their homes in Europe. However, the Baloch youth have rejected the call of secessionists, he said.

The successful holding of all Pakistan T20 Cricket Tournament in Quetta is proof that law and order is improving in Balochistan, he said lauding the provincial Sports Department and Pakistan Army for hosting the tournament that saw participation of teams from all areas of Pakistan.

“People sitting abroad have attempted to lure the innocent Baloch, but the people particularly the youth have rejected them and seek to serve Balochistan and Pakistan,” IGFC said.

He also cautioned against foreign involvement in the province. “Some elements sitting in India and Afghanistan cannot stomach development and prosperity in Balochistan, but we want to give them a clear message …no one can halt progress in Balochistan,” Maj Gen Sher Afgun said.

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Talking about the FC performance, he said: “Apart from protecting government installations like gas pipelines and electric pylons, we have been protecting 32 development projects. Approximately 52 wings of FC have been working in health and education sectors of the province, while our soldiers have been deployed to protect polio workers striving to end the crippling disease.”

Maj Gen Sher Afgun also said that the paramilitary force has been given the responsibility of guarding Shia pilgrims coming and going to Iran. He announced that the FC will set up two hostels in Quetta and Taftan for facilitating Shia pilgrims travelling to Iran after Eid.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2015.