Balochistan vows zero tolerance for terrorism, prioritises public safety after Quetta attack

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Lango reaffirmed on Monday that protection of people’s lives and property remains the top priority of the government, declaring that there will be no compromise on peace and security across the province.

Addressing a joint press conference in Quetta alongside Additional Chief Secretary for Interior Hamza Shafqat, Lango said that maintaining law and order in the province is the government’s foremost responsibility. He added that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has issued clear directives that no leniency should be shown on security matters.

Lango acknowledged that challenges remain, stating it would not be true to claim that all issues in Balochistan have been resolved. However, he emphasized that the provincial leadership, under Sarfaraz Bugti, is working to address the region’s problems and steer it towards development.

He highlighted concerns over the misuse of social media, saying it is negatively impacting society, particularly youth and women. He questioned criticism faced by the government when it takes action, asserting that the state has a clear stance against terrorism and will continue pursuing militants without compromise.

The home minister stressed that no one except state institutions will be allowed to possess weapons in the province and reiterated that security forces are actively working to restore peace. While Afghanistan remains a brotherly country, he said, external factors and terrorism continue to pose challenges for Pakistan.

Referring to the recent incidents, officials confirmed that terrorists carried out acts of sabotage, resulting in the death of one civilian and injuries to 11 others in firing. Authorities foiled terrorist attacks in Mastung and Jhal Magsi, where one militant was killed and two others were injured.

Lango reiterated that Pakistan’s security institutions remain committed to ensuring peace, expressing hope that stability will soon be restored. He concluded by saying that as a nuclear state, Pakistan has the strength to confront challenges, adding that survival of the entire nation depends on the survival of this country.