Minister criticises attack on convoy of FC inspector general
QUETTA: Minister of State for Interior Shaharyar Afridi on Thursday condemned the attack on inspector general of FC (South) Major General Saeed Ahmed Nagra, saying such cowardly attempts could not “deter us from fighting against the menace of terrorism”.
Speaking at a news conference, Mr Afridi paid tribute to the FC soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the attack that took place in the Washuk area.
Read more: Two security men martyred in attack on FC convoy in Washuk
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfiqar Bukhari also attended the minister’s press conference.
“The federal and provincial governments won’t allow terrorists to spoil peace of Balochistan and such cowardly attacks can’t deter us from rooting out the scourge of terrorism from the country,” the minister said. “Disgruntled elements of Balochistan who have gone to mountains and started an armed struggle against the country should come back and join the mainstream. We will welcome the elements who join the mainstream, but those who are challenging the writ of the government will not be spared,” Mr Afridi said.
Pilgrims to Iran and Iraq
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bukhari said the federal government had provided all facilities to pilgrims going to Iran and Iraq.
“During the last one week 45,000 Shia pilgrims travelled to Iran and Iraq from Pakistan and they were provided complete assistance and facilities by the government,” Mr Bukhari said.
Meanwhile, Mr Afridi said that provision of better facilities to the pilgrims travelling to Iran, Iraq and Syria was the main responsibility of the government.
He said this during his visit to the border town of Taftan along with Mr Bukhari.
The two dignitaries were briefed by Chagai Deputy Commissioner Qaseem Khan Kakar about travel, security and accommodation facilities for Shia pilgrims in the area.
Later, Mr Afridi and Mr Bukhari visited the Pakistan House, FIA Immigration Office and Customs House at the Taftan border crossing.
Mr Afridi praised improvement in the facilities being provided to pilgrims in Taftan and directed authorities concerned to ensure best security arrangements for the pilgrims.
He also met pilgrims staying at the Pakistan House and listened to their grievances.
He assured them of provision of better accommodation, security and immigration facilities at the border.
Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2018
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