Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said on Thursday that a “handful of misguided elements” cannot shake the resolve of the people of Balochistan and the armed forces were committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the province.
The army chief made the comments while visiting Gwadar, according to a news statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During the army chief’s visit, he was accompanied by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Quetta Corps Commander Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor.
In accordance with the ISPR release, Gen. Munir received a briefing on the current security situation in the province, the operational readiness of the formation for the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and measures to ensure a secure and tranquil environment.
According to the military’s media wing, the army chief praised the efforts of all ranks during the meeting and asked them to carry on with a professional commitment for the sake of the Baloch people.
“While interacting with troops, the COAS emphasized that a handful of misguided elements cannot shake the resolve of the people of Balochistan and the Armed Forces [are] committed to ensuring peace and prosperity,” the ISPR quoted Gen Munir as saying.
Also, he gave special attention to the socioeconomic development of the region and announced welfare initiatives for the province’s schools, the installation of solar energy, fisheries, water, health, sports, and way of life.
The law and order situation in the nation has gotten worse over the past few months as terrorist organizations carry out assaults virtually unchecked across the nation.
Balochistan’s insurgents have also intensified their violent actions and established a connection with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, a banned organization (TTP).
According to statistics released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think-tank, January 2023 remained one of the deadliest months since July 2018, as 134 people lost their lives — a 139 percent spike — and 254 received injuries in at least 44 militant attacks across the country.