Women political leaders and parliamentarians in Balochistan have strongly condemned the targeting of civilians, women and children in terrorist violence, calling for decisive action to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace across the province.
Addressing a press conference alongside Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly Ghazala Gola and Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Chief Minister’s Adviser Meena Majid Baloch said armed elements associated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were targeting ordinary citizens and particularly vulnerable members of society.
Meena Majid alleged that BLA elements entered the home of 50-year-old Bibi Hanifa and killed her and her 17-year-old daughter in a shooting. She described the incident as a grave example of the human cost of terrorism and emphasized that attacks on women and families cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Meena Majid said that elements she referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan were targeting civilians, women and children and stressed that terrorism must be eliminated from Balochistan.
She said the province must move toward a future defined by peace, development, prosperity and education, adding that the peaceful and patriotic Baloch population should not be associated with acts of terrorism.
She further stated that action against those responsible for the killing of Asma Jattak’s father was continuing, while asserting that the presence of what she described as Fitna al-Hindustan elements in Balochistan was a matter of public concern.
The adviser called for society to stand against attacks targeting women, arguing that militants seek to create fear by violating the sanctity of homes and attacking families within the privacy of their residences.
Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani strongly condemned the targeting of women, saying that attacks against women cannot advance the objectives of those responsible for terrorism.
She questioned the purpose and consequences of targeting Baloch women and described such attacks as deeply reprehensible.
The minister emphasized that women should not become victims of violence because of their identity or circumstances and that attacks against them represent an assault on the basic security and dignity of families and communities.
Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly Ghazala Gola said those responsible for killing women would be brought to justice.
She noted that the issue of violence against women was particularly significant and deserving of attention at the parliamentary level, emphasizing that Baloch and Pashtun traditions attach great importance to the dignity and respect of women.
She stressed that violence against women and the destruction of family security are incompatible with the cultural and social values of the communities of Balochistan.
During the press conference, Hadia Nawaz said that the killing of women inside their homes had created a broader sense of insecurity.
She questioned how ordinary citizens could feel safe if armed elements could enter homes and target women. She also argued that state institutions have taken steps to provide women with employment opportunities and girls with access to education, while terrorists have instead subjected families to violence and fear.
Nawaz called for stronger public condemnation of terrorism and urged political and social stakeholders to stand together against those responsible for violence.
She emphasized the importance of presenting a united voice against terrorism, arguing that silence in the face of attacks on civilians could further deepen insecurity.
Chief Minister’s Adviser Shahid Rind also expressed concern over the growing threat posed by terrorism to vulnerable members of society.
He said that children and women were not safe from terrorist violence and alleged that armed elements were also attempting to exploit women and children in pursuit of their objectives.
The remarks at the press conference collectively highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism on families and communities, particularly when violence reaches residential areas and targets civilians who have no role in armed conflict.
The participants stressed that Balochistan’s future should be shaped by peace, education, economic opportunity and development, rather than violence and fear.
They called for continued efforts against terrorist networks while emphasizing the need to protect civilians and ensure that women and children are able to live, work and receive education without intimidation.
The political leaders also urged the public, civil society and political stakeholders to reject violence and raise their voices against attacks on innocent people.
The press conference concluded with a call for collective action against terrorism, protection of civilian lives and preservation of the dignity and security of women and children across Balochistan.
The participants reiterated that lasting peace in the province requires not only effective action against those responsible for violence, but also sustained investment in education, development, employment and social stability.
