The Balochistan government on Monday approved a sanitization operation in Hanna Urak and surrounding areas after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti reviewed the law and order situation.
The meeting also decided to immediately establish a joint check post in the affected area to restore peace and improve security.
Officials said the check post would become functional from Monday, with all law enforcement agencies jointly performing security duties.
The meeting formed a high-level committee, led by Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Lango and Provincial Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, to hold talks with protesters.
The committee will contact protesters, tribal elders, elected representatives and other stakeholders.
Bugti said indiscriminate action would be taken against those responsible for the Hanna Urak incident and their facilitators.
“The action against terrorists will continue to its logical conclusion,” the chief minister said, adding that there would be no compromise on the writ of the state.
He said the process of providing financial assistance and compensation to the families of martyrs and victims would begin within two days.
Bugti said peaceful protest was the constitutional right of every citizen and practical steps would be taken to address the protesters’ concerns.
He said the people and tribes of Hanna Urak had shown courage by confronting terrorists.
“Terrorism is a common challenge for Balochistan and Pakistan,” Bugti said. “National unity and a common strategy are essential to eliminate it.”
The chief minister said protecting people’s lives and property was the government’s first responsibility and all resources would be used to restore peace.
Reporter: Essa Tareen