Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif vows to eradicate terrorism from Balochistan after militant attacks

The visit comes at a critical time for Balochistan, which is grappling with rising militancy from Baloch insurgents and TTP rebels.

During the meeting, Sharif described the attacks as part of a “wicked scheme” orchestrated by terrorist organizations, including the BLA and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which he referred to as “khawarij.” (AP File Photo)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, vowed to eliminate the terrorist threat in Balochistan following a series of deadly militant attacks earlier this week.

The province, which has been plagued by insurgency and violence, witnessed severe unrest when the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched multiple attacks on Monday, resulting in over 50 deaths, including 14 security personnel. In response, security forces conducted retaliatory strikes, claiming to have killed at least 21 terrorists.

Prime Minister Sharif traveled to Quetta, the provincial capital, to address the situation directly. Upon arrival, he convened a high-level security meeting attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

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He expressed deep concern over the recent violence and acknowledged the widespread distress it has caused across Pakistan. “There has been a wave of great concern among the people across Pakistan due to the recent heartrending incident that occurred in Balochistan. Everyone is aggrieved by this incident,” he said.

He emphasized the need for a unified and determined effort to eradicate terrorism from the province, declaring, “We must fully eradicate terrorism from Balochistan through our collective vision, power, and unwavering determination.”

The PM assured that the sacrifices made by civilians and security forces would not be in vain. He committed to supporting the federal government’s efforts to combat militancy, stating his resolve to eliminate terrorism not only in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but throughout the entire country. Sharif also emphasized the need to address the resurgence of terrorism, which he noted has intensified since 2018.

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The visit comes at a critical time for Balochistan, which is grappling with rising militancy from Baloch insurgents and TTP rebels.

The province, Pakistan’s largest by area, remains the least developed despite its substantial resources. The BLA and other separatist groups have increased their attacks on Punjabis and Sindhis from other parts of Pakistan working in Balochistan, as well as on foreign energy firms they accuse of exploiting local resources without fair compensation.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Balochistan experienced at least 170 militant attacks last year, which resulted in the deaths of 151 civilians and 114 security personnel.