Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has reiterated the government’s unwavering resolve to completely eradicate terrorism from the country, stating that security forces will not rest until the menace is fully eliminated.
Addressing the media, the Defence Minister revealed that more than 100 terrorists have been neutralized during security operations over the past two days, underscoring the intensified counterterrorism efforts underway across the country. He emphasized that Pakistan is firmly progressing on the path of development, and terrorists are attempting to undermine national stability and sovereignty through acts of violence.
Khawaja Asif stated that statements of apprehended terrorists indicate involvement and backing from India, adding that hostile elements are actively working to destabilize Pakistan. He further explained that banned organizations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have been exploiting the narrative of missing persons, claiming that the majority of these individuals are members of terrorist organizations. He described this narrative as misleading and deceptive, noting that extremist groups are now resorting to the exploitation of women and minors in their operations.
Providing details of recent incidents, the Defence Minister disclosed that twelve terrorist attacks occurred across twelve cities of Balochistan in a single day, with investigations revealing the involvement of women in at least two of these incidents. He further confirmed that a young female suicide bomber was identified in an attack in Pasni, adding that the number of terrorists killed may increase as clearance operations continue. During these operations, 11 security personnel embraced martyrdom while defending the nation.
Khawaja Asif stated that India and Afghanistan are using BLA and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as proxies against Pakistan. He reaffirmed that Pakistan has been fighting a long and difficult war against terrorism and expressed confidence that victory will ultimately belong to Pakistan. He warned that no enemy of the state should expect any leniency, adding that terrorists fled operations in Balochistan, leaving behind the bodies of many of their accomplices.
The Defence Minister acknowledged that the vast geographical expanse of Balochistan provides operational challenges, but confirmed that security forces are actively engaged in comprehensive clearance operations. He also pointed out that terrorist groups often disguise themselves under the guise of human rights activism, and assured that Indian facilitators would face the same fate as terrorists operating on Pakistani soil.
Calling for political unity, Khawaja Asif urged political parties to rise above personal and partisan interests and stand firmly against terrorism. He stated that while it cannot be conclusively said that political elements directly facilitate terrorism, silence and failure to condemn terrorist acts often indirectly enable such elements. He stressed that the fight against terrorism must be treated as a single-point national agenda, free from political divisions.
The Defence Minister concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, ensuring national security, and defeating terrorism in all its forms.
