In a significant step towards enhancing security and counter-terrorism efforts in the region, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, met with Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch, to discuss increasing cooperation between the two sides, especially in strengthening the capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Balochistan Police.
The discussions revolved around mutual cooperation on a range of issues, including the impact of climate change, improving governance, and reforms in education and healthcare sectors. The CM highlighted the establishment of Balochistan’s first Climate Fund, emphasising the province’s proactive approach to combating the effects of climate change. He also mentioned the saving of 14 billion rupees from the non-development budget last fiscal year, showcasing ongoing efforts to improve governance and transparency.
However, the most pressing issue of the meeting was security and the fight against terrorism, with both sides agreeing to bolster the professional capabilities of the CTD to address growing threats in the region. Recently, security forces have achieved significant victories against militants operating in Balochistan.
Among these was the recent high-profile arrest of Dr. Usman Qazi, a lecturer at BUITEMS first, and now the arrest of his associate, Mir Khan Muhammad, a prosecutor inspector. Both individuals were implicated in facilitating multiple terror activities across Balochistan. Their arrests highlight the increasing sophistication of local terror cells, with members embedded in both educational and government institutions.
In addition, security forces recently carried out a highly successful operation, Operation Pehrud Cleanser, targeting militant hideouts and arms caches in the province. The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 militants. Another key success was the foiling of infiltration attempts by terrorists in the Zhob district, preventing any potential attacks on local civilians and infrastructure.
These developments are part of a broader effort to tackle terrorism in the region, which has seen significant improvements in the last year, including strengthened border security and intelligence-sharing initiatives with neighboring countries. The successful operations and high-profile arrests underscore the increasing coordination between provincial and federal authorities, as well as international partners like the UK, in ensuring Balochistan’s security and stability.
The CM of Balochistan expressed confidence that with continued international collaboration and the enhancement of local security forces, the province would see more progress in combating terrorism and fostering peace.
