QUETTA: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday ruled out the need for a major operation in Balochistan, saying only an SHO (station house officer) is enough to deal with terrorism effectively.

The minister made these remarks while addressing a press conference with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

Following Monday’s terrorist attacks, the interior minister visited Quetta and discussed the situation with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti before they both travelled to Islamabad and held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari.

In Quetta, Mr Naqvi said the government was committed to eliminating terrorism and would take all possible steps to achieve this objective.

He dismissed the possibility of a major counter-terrorism operation in Balochistan, stating that “foreign-funded terrorists are no match even for an SHO”.

Outlining the government’s strategy, Mr Naqvi said security forces will go after those responsible for unrest in Balochistan, including their masterminds and facilitators.

“The results of our prompt response will soon be evident to all.”

He rejected the claims that security forces didn’t respond quickly to avert the attacks. “Our forces responded within ten minutes and forced the terrorists to flee.”

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed me to visit Balochistan and ensure that strict action is being taken against terrorists who have taken innocent lives,” Mr Naqvi added.

CM Bugti said terrorists exploit the vast 4,000km road network in Balochistan to find soft targets and kill innocent citizens.

During his meeting with the CM, the interior minister assured him that the federal government would cooperate with the province to establish durable peace in Balochistan.

CM Bugti said a handful of terrorists were involved in subversive activities, and they will be eradicated.

High-level meeting

Later, the two leaders attended a high-level meeting to review the overall law and order situation in the province.

The meeting, held at the Chief Minister Secretariat, was also attended by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shahabuddin, Inspector General of Police Abdul Khaliq Sheikh, CTD DIG Atizaz Goraya and other senior officials.

The meeting agreed on implementing an effective strategy for sustainable peace in Balochistan and decided to enhance the professional capabilities of the police and Levies and provide them with modern equipment.

New ASPs would be appointed to address the shortage of police officers in the province.

The meeting also decided that the approval for necessary funds to improve the security situation in Balochistan would be sought from the apex committee.

It was also decided that the FIA would take action against misinformation on social media and the FIA director general will personally monitor the action in Quetta.

Meeting with president

Later in the day, Mr Naqvi and CM Bugti met President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad.

President Zardari stressed the need to take all possible steps to improve the security situation in Balochistan and called for effective measures to eliminate terrorists.

According to a press release issued by the Presidency, the two leaders briefed the president about the attacks in Balochistan and discussed proposals for maintaining law and order in the province.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2024