Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the nation’s civil and military leadership have reached a joint decision to eradicate terrorism following a series of major attacks in Balochistan.
He made the remarks during a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta, attended by Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“One thing is decided: it is a mutual and singular decision of the civil and military leadership that we must end terrorism collectively,” he declared.
He noted that serious incidents over the past four days resulted in the deaths of policemen, soldiers and civilians.
He said that 54 terrorists were killed during the response to those attacks and subsequent operations, and affirmed that the campaign against terrorism would continue until the last malicious terrorist is eliminated.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s accusations against India, asserting there is no doubt that the eastern neighbour is fully involved in the conspiracy.
He added that India is providing financial and material support to the terrorists, and that the Afghan-based militant groups coordinate attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He referenced ‘foreign’ elements, echoing recent statements by the military spokesperson that India and allied forces are behind the attacks.
The prime minister described the Fitna al‑Khawarij (FAK) as having the malicious aim of undermining Pakistan’s international standing, whether through diplomatic achievements or the recent four‑day conflict earlier this year.
The government uses the term ‘Fitna al‑Khawarij’ to denote the proscribed Tehreek‑i‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates.
He said the adversary cannot accept Pakistan’s stature and therefore seeks to create difficulties for the country.
He announced today, on behalf of himself, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Balochistan government, that Pakistan will persist in eliminating this scourge day and night, employing all available resources, and will work toward making the country a hub of progress and prosperity.
He praised the bravery of soldiers, officers, law‑enforcement personnel and civilians who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands firmly behind the armed forces and law‑enforcement agencies, expressing hope that these sacrifices will ultimately eradicate terrorism.
He concluded by offering prayers for the elevated ranks of the martyred.
Attendees included Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, heads of law‑enforcement agencies, and other senior civil and military officials, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister arrived in Quetta earlier in the day to chair a meeting on the law‑and‑order situation.
Governor Mandokhail, Chief Minister Bugti and senior civil and military officials welcomed the prime minister upon his arrival, as reported by the PMO.
Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Political Affairs Adviser Rana Sanaullah accompanied the prime minister.
The visit occurred a day after the military disclosed that at least 42 individuals — predominantly security and law‑enforcement personnel — have been killed in terrorist attacks and subsequent operations in Balochistan since July 5.
It also reported that four civilians, 27 policemen and 11 security personnel were killed, and that 54 terrorists were neutralised during the same period.
During a press briefing in Rawalpindi, the military’s spokesperson said there were three major incidents in recent days: an armed attack on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5, an assault on a police post in Ziarat on July 6, and an ambush of an army convoy in Bela on the preceding Wednesday.
ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned that terrorists and their facilitators should expect no leniency, stating that security forces will pursue perpetrators without regard for rationality or proportionality.
He again implicated India and Afghanistan, asserting that the attacks were orchestrated by India and forces aligned with it, which cannot tolerate Pakistan’s respect, prosperity and stability.
