Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir interacted with participants of the 15th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday, highlighting Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to Balochistan’s development and national security.
The National Workshop, launched in 2016, serves as a unique platform for engagement and awareness-building, gathering male and female parliamentarians, bureaucrats, civil society members, youth, academia, and media representatives, particularly from Balochistan.
The program includes seminars, discussions, and national tours, aiming to empower Balochistan’s emerging leadership with a comprehensive understanding of critical national and provincial issues.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) highlighted the Government’s persistent focus on improving the socioeconomic profile of Balochistan and stated that the scale and scope of ongoing and planned initiatives should serve to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard.
Many development projects have already started bearing fruit, benefiting the people of Balochistan. Appreciating the role of the civil society members in raising awareness among the people of Balochistan, especially the youth, COAS emphasized their role in enabling progress leading to prosperity.
COAS underscored that foreign-sponsored terrorism remains the gravest threat to Balochistan’s security and development.
He warned that the nefarious designs of hostile elements, who seek to incite violence, spread fear, and destabilize the province, will not be allowed to succeed.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve, the COAS stated that terrorism knows no religion, sect, or ethnicity, and must be confronted with unwavering national unity.
Terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in the name of Baloch identity to advance their petty, insidious agenda are a blemish on Baloch honour and patriotism.
COAS emphasised that Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond; however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and the well-being of its people.
Pakistan’s Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies will continue to fight the menace of terrorism with the complete support of the people of Pakistan.
The Workshop concluded after an engaging and candid Q&A session.