Terror to be wiped out, root and branch: PM

QUETTA: Expressing his trust in the professional capabilities of the armed and civil forces, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday said the terror incidents orchestrated in Balochistan by Khwarij and foreign elements would be eliminated root and branch under the guidance of Gen Asim Munir.

He was speaking at a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) during his one-day visit here. “Under the guidance of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and with full cooperation from the federal government and the leadership of Balochistan, we will eliminate terrorism in Balochistan,” said the premier.

He said the unfortunate terrorist incident in Balochistan on August 26 was extremely tragic and barbaric, causing a wave of grief across Pakistan. “The entire nation is saddened by this horrific incident, but we make it clear that with determination and unwavering resolve, we will eliminate terrorism in Balochistan,” he reiterated.

Hinting at the involvement of foreign elements, the PM said the Khwarij planned terrorism in Pakistan and shed the blood of innocent Pakistanis, including the personnel of law enforcement agencies. Shehbaz said a nefarious plot was orchestrated by the terrorist organisations and Khwarij leading to the death of officers and sepoys of the Frontier Constabulary Levies and civilians. He said their sacrifices would not go in vain. Shehbaz said the monster of terrorism, which resurfaced after 2018, will not only be crushed in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also in other parts of the country.

He also emphasised the need for making collective efforts to eliminate terrorism from the province, ruling out any dialogue with the terrorists. However, the premier said, talks should be held with those elements who believe in the Constitution and flag of Pakistan. He said all obstacles in the way of the province’s progress and prosperity would be removed with collective resolve and vision. “We will again put the country on the path of progress and prosperity by following in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal,” said the premier.

The prime minister stated that enemies of Pakistan want to hinder the progress of Balochistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but they will not succeed. He added that eradication of terrorism was vital to the country’s prosperity.

Furthermore, he noted that the government has chalked out a policy regarding the appointment of “competent and talented officers” in Balochistan. PM Shehbaz announced that 48 Common Training Programme officers will be deployed in the province for a year. “Half of the officers will be deployed immediately and remaining after six months,” he added.

He further announced incentives for officers deployed in the province, including air tickets for their families every three months and an additional three points for performance-based evaluations. He stated that the policy will be implemented in consultation with the Balochistan government.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal Khan and Mohsin Naqvi, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir accompanied him. Upon arrival at Quetta Airport, the prime minister was received by the Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Speaker of Balochistan Assembly Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Minister for Communication and Works Abdul Rehman Khetran, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir, Inspector General of police and other senior government officials.