Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir visited Gwadar on Thursday where he made a statement that a “handful of misguided elements” cannot shake the determination of the people of Balochistan. The army is committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the province, he added. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a press release detailing the visit and the army chief’s remarks.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Quetta Corps Commander Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor were also present during the visit. Gen Munir was briefed on the security situation in the province and the formation’s operational preparedness for the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as well as efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.
During the meeting, the army chief commended the efforts of all ranks and urged them to continue working with professional commitment for the good of the people of Balochistan. He emphasized that a handful of misguided elements cannot shake the resolve of the people of Balochistan, and the Armed Forces are committed to ensuring peace and prosperity.
Gen Munir also announced welfare projects related to education, installation of solar systems, fisheries, water, health, sports, and livelihood in the province, laying particular emphasis on the socio-economic development of the area.
In recent months, the law and order situation in Pakistan has worsened, with terrorist groups executing attacks with near impunity across the country. Insurgents in Balochistan have also stepped up their violent activities and formalised a nexus with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, a think-tank based in Islamabad, January 2023 remained one of the deadliest months since July 2018, with at least 44 militant attacks across the country, resulting in the loss of 134 lives and injuries to 254 people.
