A day after security forces killed 33 terrorists who had hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan region, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Quetta and called for national unity to eradicate terrorism from the country.
Addressing a press conference, the prime minister said troops had rescued 339 passengers who were taken hostage and killed 33 terrorists. He emphasized the need for all political forces to unite and sit with the military leadership to chart a path out of the crises facing the country.
“One challenge, in my view, is that there should have been complete unity on this, but unfortunately, there is a gap,” he said, reiterating the need for consensus. He also vowed to provide security forces with the resources needed to fight terrorism. “National unity and solidarity are needed more than ever. We will continue our politics, but on the crucial issue of saving the country from terrorism, we must stand as one,” he said. Sharif said he would call a meeting for consultations to decide the next course of action.
Appreciating the conclusion of the hijacking incident, the prime minister stressed the nation cannot afford a similar event. “For that, we must all play our role,” he said, noting the country cannot prosper and develop if Balochistan’s pace of development lagged behind other provinces. “Peace can’t be established in Pakistan until terrorism is completely eliminated in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he said.
Maintaining the release of thousands of Taliban fighters from jail after the return to power of the Afghan Taliban had triggered the prevailing terror resurgence, he lamented that some elements were maligning the very forces sacrificing their lives for peace in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Poisoned propaganda against the armed forces is not acceptable or tolerable, he warned.
“Let there be no doubt that any attempt to destabilize our homeland through such treachery will be met with the full and unyielding might of our state,” he said. “It is not merely a battle against [one] militant outfit but a war against an ideology of lawlessness and despair,” he added.
During the visit, the prime minister and Army chief Gen. Asim Munir also visited the Combined Military Hospital Quetta and met the injured victims and affected families.
National Assembly Resolution
Separately, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the hijacking of Jaffar Express and all acts of terrorism that endanger lives of people and disrupt peace.
The resolution moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry bore signatures of representatives of all the parties. It appreciated the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Frontier Corps, SSG and other law enforcement agencies for their unwavering commitment, bravery and sacrifice in safeguarding the lives of citizens and protecting the integrity of Pakistan.
The House expressed the resolve to take every possible measure to eliminate terrorism from every corner of the country, affirming that no group, individual and ideology that seeks to undermine the nation’s security, prosperity and sovereignty would be allowed to spread fear, hatred and violence within the territorial limits of the country. It also pledged not to allow any terrorist activity to go unchecked, ensuring that whoever attempts destabilization shall face full force of the law.