Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on Thursday to chair a high-level meeting on Balochistan’s security as the government responds to a series of deadly terrorist attacks that have shaken the province in recent days.
The prime minister was received at Quetta Airport by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and senior civil and military officials, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Quetta security meeting will bring together senior government officials, military commanders and law enforcement authorities to review the province’s law and order situation, assess recent terrorist incidents and discuss measures to strengthen counterterrorism operations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is accompanied by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
The PM Shehbaz Sharif Quetta visit comes after a sharp rise in terrorist violence across Balochistan. Military officials said at least 42 people, including members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, have been killed in terrorist attacks and subsequent security operations since July 5.
Addressing a press briefing in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said security forces responded to three major terrorist attacks over the past four days. The incidents included an armed assault on the outskirts of Quetta, an attack on a police checkpoint in Ziarat and an ambush targeting an army convoy in Bela.
The military spokesperson said security operations against the attackers would continue until those responsible and their facilitators were eliminated. He also accused India and elements operating from Afghanistan of supporting the recent attacks in an attempt to destabilise Pakistan.
The outcome of Thursday’s high-level security meeting in Quetta is expected to shape the government’s next steps in tackling terrorism and improving coordination between civil and military institutions in Balochistan.
