- Says no operation needed in Balochistan, rather single SHO enough to end terrorism
QUETTA: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday stated that there was no need for a major operation in Balochistan and assured that the terrorists would soon receive a “clear message,” saying that terrorists operating in the province can be dealt with by a single Station House Officer (SHO).
Addressing a press conference in Quetta alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Sarfraz Bugti, Naqvi emphasised that the purpose of his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Balochistan and to assure them that the federal government fully supports the provincial leadership.
“The federal government is standing firmly behind Chief Minister Bugti, who will have our full backing in whatever decisions he makes,” Mohsin said.
He added that while some efforts in Balochistan are visible, much more is happening behind the scenes.
Addressing the recent surge in violence, Naqvi expressed deep concern over the incidents, calling them unacceptable.
“These acts of terror are intolerable, but they cannot intimidate us. The terrorists will soon receive a strong message,” he asserted.
Responding to a journalist’s question, Naqvi clarified that the Balochistan government is fully alert and more determined than ever to confront terrorism.
He dismissed the need for a large-scale operation, reiterating that the terrorists are only a minor threat.
“These terrorists have attacked from hiding. If they had the courage, they would face us directly. Our forces are well-equipped to deal with them, and their elimination will not require extensive operations,” Naqvi explained.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti highlighted the challenges of securing Balochistan’s vast terrain, noting that terrorists often exploit isolated areas to carry out attacks.
He assured that the government is actively responding to these threats.
Pakistan’s Balochistan province has recently seen an uptick in violence, including target killings and militant attacks.
Meanwhile, Balochistan experienced one of its most violent days recently, with over 40 lives lost in multiple terrorist attacks across various districts.
The deadliest incident occurred in Musakhail, where 23 passengers were executed after being offloaded from a bus. In Kalat, an attack on security forces resulted in 10 deaths, including both civilians and security personnel.
In response to the attacks on innocent civilians, the military sprung into action and wiped out 21 suspected militants, while a major terrorist attack was thwarted in the Lasbela district.
Addressing a Cabinet Meeting called over the overall security and lawn and order situation in the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s resolve to end terrorism in Pakistan, promising to provide the military with all necessary resources to combat the threat.
The premier declared, “There is no room for terrorism. The time has come to end it. We will provide the military with whatever resources it needs.”
