ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for political unity to address the ongoing law and order and security challenges in Balochistan province.
Addressing a Senate session, Ishaq Dar stressed the need for collective efforts to restore peace and combat terrorism in the province.
Dar expressed grave concern over the current situation in Balochistan, emphasizing that it affects all Pakistanis. He underscored that Balochistan, a crucial part of the country, requires a unified approach to resolve its issues.
Dar informed the Senate that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is already in Balochistan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit soon.
The federal government is closely coordinating with the Balochistan government to address the crisis. Dar highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue with those who respect the authority of the Pakistani state while taking decisive action against those involved in violence.
He also warned that some elements, influenced by foreign agencies, are trying to destabilize the province through chaos and terrorism.
Reflecting on past efforts, Dar admitted that previous strategies, including releasing certain prisoners, may have been flawed. He noted that Pakistan’s enemies aim to prevent the country from achieving economic progress by fostering political instability.
Dar proposed forming a Senate committee to find solutions for Balochistan’s issues, emphasizing the need for practical actions over political maneuvering. He made it clear that violence in the name of dissent will not be tolerated and called for constructive dialogue with those who acknowledge the state of Pakistan.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also addressed the Senate, stressing the need to eradicate terrorism. He criticized the misuse of religion and freedom to justify violence, noting that terrorism has caused more loss of life than wars. Siddiqui called for a committee to propose actionable solutions and warned against political point-scoring in this matter.
ANP’s Aimal Wali Khan Criticizes Lack of NAP Implementation
Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan lamented the lack of implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), which was created in response to the APS attack.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Balochistan and criticized ideological extremists within major political parties, claiming they have jeopardized the country’s progress.
