QUETTA (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday declared that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership had reached a unanimous decision to eliminate terrorism, saying the country’s fight against militants would continue until the last terrorist is defeated.
The prime minister made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta. The meeting was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, senior military commanders and heads of law enforcement agencies.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Balochistan, which claimed the lives of police personnel, soldiers and civilians, had reinforced the resolve of the state to eradicate terrorism.
“There is one unanimous decision of the civil and military leadership: terrorism must be eliminated collectively,” he said.
The premier noted that security forces had killed 54 terrorists during operations launched in response to the recent attacks, adding that the campaign would continue until terrorism was completely eradicated.
“This war against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz alleged that India was supporting militant groups involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan by providing funding, weapons and logistical assistance.
He further claimed that militants operating from Afghan territory were carrying out attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while also referring to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the government officially terms “Fitna Al Khawarij.”
According to the prime minister, hostile elements were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s international standing, diplomatic achievements and national stability.
He announced that the federal government, armed forces and the Balochistan government would jointly utilise all available resources to eliminate terrorism and ensure lasting peace and prosperity.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, police, law enforcement agencies and civilians, the prime minister said the entire nation stood united behind the country’s security institutions.
He also offered prayers for the martyrs and expressed confidence that Pakistan would ultimately defeat terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Quetta earlier in the day to review the law and order situation following a series of deadly terrorist attacks across Balochistan.
Federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah accompanied him during the visit.
The visit came a day after the military announced that 42 people — including four civilians, 27 police personnel and 11 security personnel — were martyred in terrorist attacks and subsequent security operations in Balochistan since July 5, while 54 terrorists were killed during counterterrorism operations.
Earlier, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said three major terrorist attacks had taken place in Hanna Urak near Quetta, Ziarat and Bela, warning that terrorists and their facilitators would continue to face decisive action.
