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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership has taken a “mutual and singular decision” to end terrorism, following a series of major terrorist incidents in Balochistan over recent days. Speaking at a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta, attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sharif declared: “One thing is decided: it is a mutual and singular decision of the civil and military leadership that we must end terrorism collectively.”

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The prime minister’s remarks, as reported by Dawn, came after what he described as “very serious incidents” in the province over the past four days, which resulted in the martyrdom of policemen, soldiers, and civilians. He noted that 54 terrorists had been killed while responding to those attacks and in subsequent operations, and affirmed that the war against terrorism would continue “until the last fasaadi (vicious) terrorist in Pakistan is eliminated.”

Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s accusations against India, asserting there was “no doubt that our eastern neighbour is fully involved in this fitna (evil) in all aspects.” He added that India was providing money and weapons to terrorist groups, and that terrorists in Afghanistan were collectively conducting attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He hinted at additional unnamed “khariji hands,” echoing recent comments by the military’s spokesperson.

The military’s spokesperson, whose comments were referenced by the prime minister, had earlier said that India and “forces with India” were behind the terrorist attacks in Balochistan. The spokesperson also warned terrorists and their facilitators to expect no rationality and proportionality as security forces continue hunting down the perpetrators.

Key claims

  • Mutual decision to end terrorism: PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that the civil and military leadership had taken a mutual and singular decision to end terrorism after multiple major terrorist incidents in Balochistan.
  • Terrorist casualties: 54 terrorists were reported killed in response to the attacks and in subsequent operations.
  • Accusations against India: Pakistan accuses India of backing terrorism by providing money and weapons to terrorist groups.
  • FAK objectives: The Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK) was described as having the “heinous objectives” of damaging Pakistan’s global respect.
  • Casualties among security forces and civilians: At least 42 people, including security and law enforcement personnel, lost their lives in terrorist attacks and subsequent operations in Balochistan since July 5.
  • Military’s warning: The military’s spokesperson warned terrorists and their facilitators to expect no rationality or proportionality as operations continue.
  • India’s alleged involvement: The military’s spokesperson accused India and forces with India of being behind the attacks in Balochistan.