ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday warned that the terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij is being backed by foreign actors, underscoring the threat of external influence on Pakistan’s internal security.
Addressing the political leadership of Balochistan in Quetta, he reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.
The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by Pakistan’s government and military to refer to the banned terrorist groups, most prominently the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group.
The prime minister praised the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and Balochistan police for their sacrifices in the fight against this menace. He added that the Fitna al-Khawarij gets support from foreign countries.
He said the nation will undoubtedly overcome the scourge of terrorism, just as it successfully countered India during Marka-e-Haq, under the capable leadership of Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Last year, Pakistan and India engaged in a military conflict, the worst in decades. During the clashes, Pakistan downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones.
After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10, 2025, with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.
The Prime Minister also announced the launch of several development projects worth billions of rupees in the education and infrastructure sectors in Balochistan.
He said five Daanish Schools will be established in the province to provide quality education to deserving children. On the infrastructure front, he announced the construction of the Chaman–Karachi (N-25) highway, a 300-billion-rupee project aimed at facilitating transportation for the people of Balochistan.
The Prime Minister emphasised that funds are being allocated to all provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and urged collective efforts and mutual consultation to advance the country’s development and prosperity.
He also added that the 400 million dollars received from the World Bank are being utilized for the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas in Balochistan.
