CDF Munir after Balochistan attacks

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has stated that no one can rationalise violence and terrorism under any pretext during a visit to Quetta in the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.

The remarks came after a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan over the weekend. On Tuesday, state media reported that Pakistan’s security forces had killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ militant group in continuing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan. 22 security personnel have been martyred in these operations.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir received a comprehensive operational briefing on the prevailing security environment and ongoing internal security operations during a visit Quetta.

“CDF remarked that no terrorist and its facilitator will be spared and all will be dealt strictly as per law and that no one can rationalise violence and terrorism on any pretext,” the ISPR said.

It added that the briefing covered terrorist attacks orchestrated by “India-backed internationally-designated terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan and the prompt aggressive response of security forces which failed their ulterior motive of compromising peace, stability, and development in Balochistan”.

Also Read: Trains, mobile internet shut across Balochistan for fifth day after attacks

The statement maintained that measures being undertaken to further strengthen the writ of the state, and ensure the protection of the populace and critical infrastructure were also discussed in detail.

CDF Munir further commended the “professionalism, valour, and sacrifices” of officers and troops from all law enforcement agencies for “thwarting nefarious anti-Pakistan designs and maintaining law and order in the region”, it added.

Accompanied by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the field marshal visited the Combined Military Hospital, where he met injured personnel of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps Balochistan, and police, the ISPR said.

“CDF Munir lauded their high morale and praised their bravery and steadfastness in protecting the motherland from foreign-sponsored terrorists”, it added.

According to the ISPR, terrorists had launched coordinated attacks at several locations on Saturday, targeting security installations and civilian areas across Quetta, Mastung, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni.

Security forces responded with sustained clearance operations and standoffs, killing 92 terrorists on the first day. The military said 18 civilians were also killed, while 15 security personnel “fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom” during the operations.

A high security alert remains in place in Quetta, with strict checking, patrolling, and search operations ongoing at the city’s entry and exit points.

The public has demanded that the government restore suspended services as soon as possible to allow normalcy to return to daily life. Authorities stated that a decision regarding the restoration of internet and train services will be made after the security situation improves.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that Pakistan needed to deploy large numbers of troops in Balochistan because of the province’s vast geography amid the serious security situation and recent spate of attacks.

Speaking in the National Assembly (NA) on the matter, Asif said: “Balochistan constitutes over 40% of Pakistan geographically … to control it is much difficult than a populated city or area and it needs deployment of massive forces. Our troops are deployed there and are in action against them (terrorists) but they are physically handicapped by guarding and patrolling such a big area.”

Meanwhile, CM Bugti had described the operation as one of the most extensive intelligence-led actions conducted in such a short timeframe.

Asif said on Sunday that Pakistan’s findings showed that “all the linkages point towards India” in the recent attacks.

Security sources had also claimed that Indian media outlets and India-linked social media accounts amplified support for Fitna al-Hindustan during the attacks, which they described as part of a coordinated hostile information campaign.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also directly held India responsible on Saturday, alleging that New Delhi was involved in planning and backing the incidents and vowing to expose what he described as its role before the international community.

The attacks were unanimously condemned by the country’s political stakeholders with resolutions against them passed in the Senate and NA.