Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached Quetta on Thursday for a one-day visit aimed at evaluating the security situation in Balochistan following a recent series of militant assaults across the province. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed his arrival and the purpose of the trip.
At the airport, the premier was welcomed by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, along with senior civil and military officials. During his stay, Shehbaz Sharif is set to lead a high-level meeting focused on addressing the law and order challenges facing the region. He is accompanied by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah.
This visit follows a military briefing held on Wednesday, which highlighted a disturbing rise in violence. Since July 5, at least 42 individuals, including security personnel and law enforcement officers, have lost their lives in terrorist attacks and subsequent counter-terrorism operations throughout Balochistan.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry detailed three significant militant incidents occurring within four days: an armed attack near Quetta on July 5, an assault on a police checkpoint in Ziarat on July 6, and an ambush on an army convoy in Bela on Wednesday.
In a firm warning, the military spokesperson emphasized that security forces would maintain a strict stance, continuing operations to apprehend those responsible for the violence. He cautioned that terrorists and their supporters should anticipate a resolute and uncompromising response from the state.
Notably, the ISPR chief attributed these attacks to external influences, alleging involvement of networks based in India and Afghanistan. He asserted that this recent surge in violence was orchestrated by groups intent on undermining Pakistan’s stability and progress.
