Monitoring Desk
A day after security forces successfully ended the Bolan hostage crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for urgent national unity to eliminate terrorism, stressing that Pakistan’s political and military leadership must work together to counter growing security threats.
Addressing a high-level security meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta, the premier revealed that 339 hostages were rescued, while 33 terrorists were killed during the military operation. However, he expressed concern over the lack of complete political consensus on tackling terrorism.
“One of the biggest challenges is the absence of complete unity on this issue. Unfortunately, there is a gap,” PM Shehbaz said, emphasizing the need for a joint strategy to strengthen national security. He vowed to provide the armed forces with all necessary resources and announced plans to convene an all-party meeting to formulate a comprehensive security policy.
Terrorism’s Resurgence & Military Sacrifices
Reflecting on the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan, the premier attributed it to the release of thousands of Taliban fighters in recent years. He warned that the country could not afford another Bolan-like attack and underscored the sacrifices made by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to protect the nation.
PM Shehbaz also condemned anti-military rhetoric, warning that propaganda against the armed forces was “unacceptable and intolerable.” He called for a new, modern security force in Balochistan, equipped with advanced weaponry and training, to effectively counter militant threats.
“Let there be no doubt—any attempt to destabilize our homeland will be met with the full and unyielding might of the state,” he declared, emphasizing that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism was not just a battle against insurgent groups but a war against an ideology of lawlessness and destruction.
PM, Army Chief Visit Injured Victims
Following the security meeting, PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Quetta, where they met with injured victims and affected families of the Bolan attack.
CM Bugti Rejects Terrorists’ Narrative
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, in a meeting with the prime minister, strongly condemned the targeting of unarmed civilians, women, and children, stating that such acts were against Baloch traditions.
“Terrorists cannot hold even an inch of land for more than a few hours. They rely on spreading fear through propaganda, but the government and security agencies are taking swift action to eliminate their networks,” CM Bugti asserted.
He also stressed that associating terrorism with the Baloch identity was completely wrong, reaffirming that the Baloch leadership and people stood firmly against terrorism.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from federal and provincial leadership to accelerate counterterrorism efforts, restore peace in Balochistan, and prevent future attacks.
