ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: Minister for Defence Production Habibullah Warraich has said that no military operation was being carried out in Balochistan. “After assurances from President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that no operation was going on in Balochistan, the baseless propaganda must come to an end,” the minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Warraich said it was a targeted action against people disturbing the peace of the province and the government had no plans for any operation in the province even in future.

The government, he said, believed in resolving problems amicably. However, anti-social elements and their supporters could not be allowed to create law and order situation, he said, adding that their hideouts would be destroyed.

“The government cannot tolerate attacks on security forces and the killers will be chased and brought to justice,” he added.

Mr Warraich said the government could not allow any foreigner to use Pakistani soil for attacking other countries and those who were instigating locals to take up arms would be dealt with severely.

He said the government has taken strong exception to the foreign aid being provided to saboteurs in the form of arms and ammunition and efforts were being made to block all routes through which arms were smuggled into Balochistan.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country. People living here are also peaceful and those who try to give bad name to Pakistan can never be forgiven,” the minister said.

He said Pakistan would be purged of all unlawful activities and would be made the cradle of peace from Balochistan to Waziristan so that every Pakistani could lead a secure life.—APP