Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan cannot achieve progress unless terrorism is eradicated from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. Chairing a meeting on the security situation in Balochistan on Thursday, the prime minister was briefed by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.
Referring to the recent attack on a passenger train, PM Shehbaz condemned the assailants for disregarding the sanctity of Ramadan. “Defenceless passengers were taken hostage in the wilderness. Under the leadership of the army chief, security forces successfully rescued 339 passengers,” he said.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the public and the government to the Special Services Group’s (SSG) Zarrar Company, saying it was specifically created to counter such terrorist threats.
PM Shehbaz stressed that the entire nation was grieving the attack on the Jaffer Express. “Pakistan cannot afford another such tragedy. Everyone must play their role in ensuring security. Balochistan’s progress is essential for Pakistan’s overall development,” he added.
Questioning the resurgence of terrorism, PM said, “Terrorism had been crushed before—so why has it resurfaced? Unfortunately, some people’s remarks on this incident were so inappropriate that they cannot even be repeated.”
He criticised what he called the “enemy’s propaganda,” stating, “It is disappointing how our eastern neighbour promoted the narrative of Pakistan’s adversaries.”
The prime minister also condemned the release of certain militants in the past. “Some Taliban members with dark histories were freed. Poison is being spewed against the state and the army. There is no greater act of hostility than defaming our military,” he said.
He praised the armed forces for their sacrifices, particularly in Balochistan and K-P, adding that their efforts had prevented thousands of children from being orphaned.
PM Shehbaz warned against the actions of “infiltrators and enemies disguised as friends” who, he said, were harming Pakistan. “If we do not eliminate terrorism, our journey towards development will be derailed,” he asserted.
The PM also announced plans for an All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss Balochistan’s challenges. “Terrorists will use every tactic to create division among the people. At this time, national unity is the need of the hour,” he emphasised.
“I have not come to Balochistan for political point-scoring,” he said. “Even now, we must learn from the past and move forward. The political leadership of the entire country should come together to discuss the challenges Pakistan is facing,” he added.
