A day after attacks across Balochistan claimed at least 50 lives, including those of 14 security personnel, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted there was “no room for any weakness.”
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Sharif stressed on the need to identify the enemies of this country and showing "full unity" among the nation.
"We have to move forward with a resolute decision. There is no room for any kind of weakness," he said while taking stock of the prevailing law and order situation in the region.
Additionally, Pakistani forces said they had neutralised 27 militants in retaliatory action since early Monday morning.
The fresh wave of violence has been marked by heavy attacks from militants of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army on security personnel and citizens, particularly those from the majority province of Punjab.
The militant raids on police stations, destruction of railway tracks, and arson on vehicles have left a total of 50 people, including 14 security men, dead.
In Musakhail, militants gunned down 23 people after identifying them through their documents.
In Khadkocha, militants had blocked the highway, attacked a local police station, taken the Levies officials (paramilitary forces) hostage, and set the premises on fire.
In Kalat, the militants attacked a Levies station, two hotels, and the residence of a tribal elder. Eleven people, including four Levies officials and a police sub-inspector, were killed and nine others injured.
Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowed to crush terrorism in the province.
PM Shehbaz condemned the attacks: "The recent incidents that took place in Balochistan, no matter how much they are condemned, it is not enough." He called once more for an end to terrorism, with "dozens of Pakistanis" killed in recent incidents.
The prime minister said terrorists were hindering the development of Pakistan in general, and the CPEC projects in particular.
All security forces would get whatever resources are needed by cutting other expenses, he added.
Addressing the approach towards militant elements in Balochistan, Shehbaz told reporters, that talks could be held with the ones "who acknowledge
Pakistan's Constitution and flag" but not with terrorists and enemies.
He added, "For those who believe in dialogue, want to see Pakistan's flag high and have full belief in the Constitution, the doors for talks with them are always open."
The prime minister declared plans to visit Balochistan to "hold talks and review the entire situation" and decide on future action.
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