ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has vowed to thwart attempts by foreign-backed terrorist groups to disrupt development in Balochistan, Pakistan’s south-western province, saying its progress will continue despite ongoing security challenges.
The president made the remarks during a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at the President’s House, where he received a briefing on the security situation, administrative affairs and development projects underway across the province.
Zardari stressed the need for close and effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments to strengthen peace, accelerate development and improve public welfare in Balochistan.
Development must continue despite security challenges
The president said Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, required special attention and adequate resources to address its development needs.
He emphasised that security challenges must not be allowed to derail development projects or undermine efforts to improve living standards in the province.
“Efforts by terrorists operating with foreign backing to create obstacles to Balochistan’s development will be thwarted at every cost,” Zardari said.
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He expressed confidence that sustained efforts by the security and law-enforcement authorities would eventually eliminate terrorism from the province.
The president said the day was not far when Balochistan would be free from terrorism, expressing optimism about the province’s future and its development prospects.
Focus on federal-provincial coordination
The meeting also reviewed the overall situation in Balochistan and progress on development initiatives being implemented in the province.
Zardari called for stronger coordination between Islamabad and Quetta to ensure that development programmes were implemented effectively and that the benefits reached local communities.
He reiterated that peace and stability were essential for sustained economic activity, investment and social development in the province.
Pakistan has faced a persistent security challenge in Balochistan, where foreign-backed terrorist groups have carried out attacks targeting security forces, infrastructure and civilians.
The government has repeatedly said that development and security efforts must move forward simultaneously to address the province’s economic and social challenges.
