QUETTA, Jul 9 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate India-backed terrorism in Balochistan, saying anti-terror operations would continue until the last terrorist is eliminated from Pakistan.
Chairing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting under the National Action Plan in Quetta, the prime minister expressed concern over the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Balochistan, describing the incidents of the past four days as “very serious.”
He said the entire nation stood firmly with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the security forces and civilians, the prime minister said 42 people, including security personnel and civilians, embraced martyrdom while defending the country during the recent attacks, while security forces had killed 54 India-backed terrorists in subsequent operations.
“We have to defeat the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawarij. This war against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated from Pakistan,” the prime minister said.
He alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour was supporting terrorist groups through funding and weapons, while Afghan territory was being used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said hostile elements were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s peace, diplomatic achievements and economic stability, but their plans would fail.
He reaffirmed that the government would utilise all available resources to eradicate terrorism and ensure lasting peace, development and prosperity across the country.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers and senior officials of law enforcement agencies.
The meeting came a day after Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said security forces would continue operations against terrorists and their facilitators following the recent attacks in Balochistan.
