Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), pledged on May 31 at a grand jirga attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan, noting their unwavering support in this endeavor. Speaking at Quetta on the 31st in front of PM Sharif and Bugti himself – COAS Munir declared India’s involvement is no longer hidden within Pakistan’s largest province, adding that India’s involvement in Balochistan can no longer remain “hidden.” Dawn +3 >> umplut Geo News + 3Wiki Wiki “This act of terrorism against our people, progress, and peace must not go unanswered,” Munir asserted, noting that with support from both national and Baloch people he will take all steps necessary to confront and destroy any adversary attempting to undermine Pakistani sovereignty. Peace in Balochistan must remain non-negotiable as part of Pakistan’s future plans. Dawn +2 Geo News. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared these sentiments, noting how terrorist groups like “Fitna Al-Hindustan,” purportedly funded by India, have intensified efforts to destabilize Balochistan. He stressed the necessity of grassroots engagement to ensure these extremist groups find no support among local communities. The Guardian (+6) Geo News (+6) The Express Tribune (18+). A traditional assembly of tribal elders known as a Jirga was convened on Saturday to address the current security situation in Balochistan and to pledge their commitment to national unity as they stand alongside government and military against terrorism. Pakistan Today +2, Dawn +2 Geo News, The Express Tribune all made appearances. +1 This development comes after a spate of attacks in Balochistan, including the bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar on May 21 which killed five people – three children among them – including Pakistan’s accusation that India orchestrates such attacks through proxy groups such as Dawn News/AP News/Wikipedia etc, although India maintains that their involvement cannot be proven. Pakistan’s government has launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a comprehensive counterterrorism campaign intended to eradicate extremism and promote socio-economic development in affected regions. [Wikipedia +1] As tensions between Pakistan and India persist, the international community closely observes their interactions, encouraging both countries to enter dialogue in order to prioritize regional stability.
