RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Monday emphasised that foreign sponsored terrorism remains the gravest threat to Balochistan’s security and development, warning that the nefarious designs of hostile elements will not be allowed to succeed.
Speaking at the 15th National Workshop Balochistan at GHQ, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) highlighted the Pakistan government’s persistent focus on improving the socioeconomic profile of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release.
COAS General Munir said that the scale and scope of ongoing and planned initiatives should serve to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard.
Many development projects have already started bearing fruit benefiting the people of Balochistan.
Appreciating the role of the civil society members in raising awareness among the people of Balochistan, especially the youth, the COAS emphasized their role in enabling progress leading to prosperity.
“Foreign sponsored terrorism remains the gravest threat to Balochistan’s security and development. The nefarious designs of hostile elements, who seek to incite violence, spread fear, and destabilize the province, will not be allowed to succeed,” the COAS warned.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve, COAS General Munir said that terrorism knows no religion, sect, or ethnicity, and must be confronted with unwavering national unity.
“Terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in the name of Baloch identity to advance their petty insidious agenda, are a blemish on Baloch honour and patriotism,” the COAS said.
Pakistan’s Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies will continue to fight the menace of terrorism with the complete support of the people of Pakistan.
COAS General Munir reiterated that while Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with a full-force response to preserve national prestige and the wellbeing of its people.
“Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and wellbeing of its people,” the COAS warned.
Tensions escalated between Pakistan and India after the April 22 attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s accusations.
Pakistan has called for a neutral, independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
COAS General Munir interacted with participants of the 15th National Workshop Balochistan at GHQ, ISPR said.
Since 2016, the Workshop brings together a large number of male and female parliamentarians, bureaucrats, members of civil society, youth, academia and media representatives, with maximum representation from Balochistan.
The Workshop, encompassing interactions, seminars, group discussions and visits to different parts of the country. It is aimed at enabling future leadership of Balochistan to understand vital national and provincial issues and mounting cohesive response.
The Workshop concluded after an engaging and candid question-and-answer session.
