Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has stated that terrorism in Balochistan must be completely eradicated through comprehensive planning, and the blood of those who have sacrificed for the country will not go in vain.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed these views while addressing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee in Balochistan’s capital Quetta.
The meeting was attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, federal ministers, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, and other civilian and military officials.
He said that the tragic incident in Balochistan on August 26 had sent a wave of intense concern across the entire country, leaving the nation grief-stricken.
He emphasized that Balochistan is an important and beautiful province of Pakistan, and all obstacles to its development and prosperity must be removed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that terrorist organizations, Pakistan’s external enemies, and internal infiltrators have conspired to disrupt the peace and security of this country, resulting in the death of innocent Pakistanis, including personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) and Levies as well as civilians.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Pakistan Armed Forces Chief and the Balochistan Chief Minister, and with the full cooperation of the federal government, this challenge will be overcome.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for the deployment of capable and talented officers in Balochistan, acknowledging that due to security concerns, some officers hesitate to serve in the province. However, a new policy has been formulated regarding officer deployment. Under this policy, officers from the 48th Common Training Program will be posted in Balochistan for one year, while officers from the 49th Common Training Program will be posted for one and a half years after completing one year.
Shehbaz Sharif also announced that special incentives would be provided to officers deployed in Balochistan, including four air tickets for their families every three months.
It is important to note that during the night of August 25-26, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a Baloch “pro-independence” militant organization, launched a major operation. As part of this operation, BLA members set up blockades in various areas of Balochistan, blocking roads.
The BLA named this operation “Herof,” and its central aspect involved a suicide attack by the Majeed Brigade on a major Pakistani forces camp in the Tehsil Bela of Lasbela District.
According to the Baloch Liberation Army, over 130 Pakistani forces, intelligence personnel, and other officials were killed in clashes and attacks during Operation Herof. Additionally, key highways and cities in Balochistan remained under the control of BLA fighters for 18 hours.