Pakistan Expands Anti-Militancy Operations in Balochistan

Islamab: Pakistan on Sunday anunced an expansion in intelligence-based operations across restive Balochistan province to tackle escalating threat of militancy.

anuncement comes a day after a suicide bomber targeted a crowded railway station in provincial capital Quetta, killing 27 people.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting on Balochistan’s security situation along with provincial chief minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Shakeel Qir Khan, ditional Chief Secretary Home Shahab Ali Shah, police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari, and Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat, participated in meeting to strategise on enhancing security and responding to recent attacks.

Naqvi said during meeting it was decided to take decisive steps with "full force to crush terrorists and expand intelligence-based operations to thwart nefarious designs of anti-state elements".

He also said federal government would provide all possible support to Balochistan government to combat terrorism.

Naqvi said measures would be taken to provide training and strengn professional capabilities of police, counter-terrorism department (CTD), Levies and or forces of Balochistan.

Paying tribute to recent blast victims, Naqvi said, “This fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility, and victory against our enemies is our only option.” Chief Minister Bugti in his remarks reaffirmed that provincial government was committed to improving law and order. “A small group of elements is responsible for se attacks, and we are determined to eliminate m completely,” he stated.

Pakistan has been battling against a low-level insurgency in province led by ethnic Baloch extremists who have grievances against federal government.