QUETTA: Speaking to participants of the Eighth National Workshop on Balochistan on Thursday, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that support from people of the province ensured peace and stability there and the same would be defended at any cost.

The workshop being held in Quetta from Nov 1-27 is being attended by people from various fields and segments of society.

Recalling the innumerable sacrifices rendered by the nation for defeating terrorism, Gen Bajwa reiterated that the hard-earned peace would be vigorously guarded at all costs.

The resolute support given by the people of Balochistan to the security forces had resulted in stability of the province and materialisation of the progress made on various projects of socio-economic development, he said.

Linking prosperity of Balochistan with that of the country, the army chief said nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace and stability of Pakistan were being foiled through a synergetic and comprehensive strategy.

He was of the opinion that internal and external challenges faced by Pakistan required a comprehensive national response.

By virtue of the effective management of the Western Zone, Pakistan was able to remain safe amid crisis inside Afghanistan, he said. “We will continue ensuring internal security which is so vital for national development,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2021