The Balochistan Assembly Wednesday unanimously passed a joint resolution condemning the January 31 terrorist attacks carried out in different districts of the province, reaffirming support for security forces and vowing to resist militancy.
The resolution was presented by Provincial Minister Saleem Khosa, who said terrorists had targeted security forces and civilians, resulting in the loss of precious lives. He stated that security forces responded effectively and thwarted the attackers’ plans.
Provincial Minister Asim Kurdgalo strongly condemned the incidents, saying unarmed civilians were martyred and that security forces had brought the attackers to their end. “The entire Balochistan stands with its forces against terrorists,” he said.
Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar described the attacks as acts of terrorism against innocent people and security personnel, alleging involvement of “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” elements. He said the people of Balochistan stood firmly with the armed forces and expressed confidence that peace would be restored.
Ali Madad Jattak termed the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) a terrorist organisation and said the Constitution did not permit anyone to take up arms. He stressed the need to create employment opportunities for youth and urged collective action against terrorism.
Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman also condemned the attacks but called for reflection on underlying issues. He said violence could not resolve problems and emphasized dialogue. He raised concerns about security conditions, stating that highways were unsafe and people were worried. He urged authorities to address grievances, unemployment and public concerns.
Barkat Ali Rind paid tribute to security agencies, saying their timely response prevented further damage. He called for unity against terrorism and expressed hope that peace would return to the province.
Several other lawmakers, including Meena Majeed, Noor Muhammad Damar, Dastgir Badini, Zarak Mandokhel and Zamrak Achakzai, condemned the attacks and paid tribute to the martyrs.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, addressing the House, said terrorism could not be justified on the basis of political or economic grievances.
“We have never refused political dialogue,” he said, adding that issues such as electoral reforms, governance and distribution of resources could be discussed within the constitutional framework.
He said the Assembly was the appropriate forum for debate and stressed the supremacy of the rule of law. Expressing sympathy with the families of the martyrs, the chief minister said violence was not the future of Balochistan’s youth, adding that development and modern education, including artificial intelligence, were key to progress.
Bugti said Rs66 billion had been invested in Gwadar so far and that 3,200 schools in the province had been made functional. He maintained that the majority of people in Balochistan stood with the state and rejected militancy.
The session concluded with members reiterating their commitment to peace, constitutional rights and collective efforts to eliminate terrorism from the province.