Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating terrorism, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that Pakistan cannot progress until the menace is eradicated. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to prevent terrorist incidents like the recent Jaffar Express hijacking.
Addressing a high-level meeting on law and order in Quetta, PM Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan’s progress hinges on Balochistan’s development, bringing it on par with other provinces. He also paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and security forces for successfully rescuing 339 passengers taken hostage in the Bolan area.
The premier denounced the terrorists who hijacked the train, noting that they showed no respect for the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. He urged unity in combating terrorism, warning that Pakistan could not afford another such tragedy.
PM Shehbaz lauded the sacrifices of security personnel in the Jaffar Express rescue operation. He warned against malicious propaganda targeting soldiers and martyrs, calling it an unacceptable betrayal of the nation.
Without naming the former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the premier blamed terrorism’s resurgence on those who had “cordial ties” with the Taliban. He pointed out that thousands of militants from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were reportedly relocated to Pakistan during PTI’s tenure following Kabul’s fall in 2021.
Read More: Pakistan Warns UNSC About TTP’s Growing Influence in Regional Terrorism
Following the hijacking, security forces executed a two-day operation that resulted in the elimination of all 33 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that the terrorists maintained contact with facilitators in Afghanistan via satellite phone.
The operation involved units from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Special Services Group (SSG), Army, and Frontier Corps (FC). Despite the successful hostage rescue, 21 passengers were martyred before the clearance operation began, while four FC personnel lost their lives.
Emergency services were activated in Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta, where 29 injured passengers were shifted. Hospital authorities confirmed that the injured are in stable condition, and 47 passengers have been relocated to Quetta from Mach.
The prime minister urged all political forces to collaborate on a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and restore economic stability. He stressed that peace is a prerequisite for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
PM Shehbaz’s visit to Quetta reaffirms the government’s resolve to maintain law and order, ensure justice for the victims, and take decisive action against those threatening the country’s stability.
Comments are closed.