Pakistan’s President Zardari calls for ‘complete elimination’ of terrorism in Balochistan

In reaction to the recent outbreak of violence across Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to take strong steps to achieve the “complete elimination” of terrorism.

Militants in Balochistan took control of a highway and shot dead 23 people, mostly labourers from neighbouring Punjab province, attacked the hotel and the railway bridge which connects Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan.

Security forces have been battling sectarian, ethnic and separatist violence for decades in impoverished Balochistan, but the coordinated attacks that took place in several districts throughout the province were one of the worst in the region’s history.

More from World

Nepal's new PM pays homage to people died during the Gen Z protest in her first national address This Week in Explainers: How recovering from Gen-Z protests is a Himalayan task for Nepal

The sites hit were cordoned off Tuesday as the search for assailants went on.

“But no arrests have been made so far, and no additional militants have been killed,” provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind said.

Monday’s death toll includes 34 civilians and 15 members of the security forces, while the military said troops killed 21 militants.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the attacks were “deplorable”.

“In Balochistan, the doors for negotiation are always open to those who believe in Pakistan and accept its constitution and flag,” he said Tuesday as he addressed a cabinet meeting.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Trump urges Nato to back sanctions on Russia, calls for 50–100% tariffs on China

In addition to discussing the security and law and order situation in the province, President Zardari was updated on the most recent terror occurrences during his meeting with the chief minister and interior minister today.

In a statement released by the President’s Office, it was said that ideas for establishing peace and order in Balochistan were deliberated, and Zardari emphasised the necessity of taking decisive action to “completely eliminate terrorists.”

The president informed the two officials, “All possible steps should be taken to improve the security situation in Balochistan.”

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active militant separatist group in the province which has previously targeted Chinese interests in the region, said it was responsible for the attacks.

Sharif said their “sole aim is to halt Pakistan’s progress, sabotage the development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and create divisions between Pakistan and China.”

The BLA is waging a war of independence against the state, which it accuses of unfair exploitation of resources by outsiders in the mineral-rich region.

With inputs from agencies