Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Amir Riaz on Tuesday said that 700 personnel of the security forces have been killed while fighting for the “stability of the country”.

Riaz added that around 2,000 personnel were also wounded in the province.

The commander was speaking at a function organized at the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Quetta.

“For the last 10 to 12 years, FC personnel have been fighting against the enemies of Pakistan,” said the senior officer.

“You stood firm and defeated the enemy.”

Riaz added that some elements in Geneva, Dubai and London were behind acts of terrorism and were involved in the killing of innocent civilians in Balochistan.

“Balochistan is part of Pakistan, and will always remain so,” reiterated the commander of southern command.

He stated that despite the enemy’s propaganda, the FC, Levies and police personnel have rendered sacrifices to uphold the flag of the nation.

“Some elements want to impose their thoughts through guns and bombs, however, security forces have foiled their nefarious designs with the support of the masses of Balochistan,” added Riaz.

Balochistan has been experiencing incidents of violence and targeted killings for over a decade. The largest province of the country by area, is home to a insurgency by ethnic Baloch separatists.

Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. The province shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.