PM, CDF vow to crush terror, defend nation’s sovereignty
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• Premier terms Pakistan ‘net regional stabiliser’, contributing to peace, stability
• Pledges defence of territorial integrity against any misadventure
• CDF Munir says propaganda, fake news can’t derail country’s progress
• Both leaders attend apex committee meeting on Balochistan’s security, development
• PM orders dedicated security corridor for province’s mineral belt
QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, fight terrorism and pursue long-term stability during their visit to Quetta.
Addressing student officers and faculty members at the Command and Staff College , CDF Munir resolved that propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism could not derail Pakistan’s progress.
He stressed that hostile forces attempting to derail the country’s progress through proxies would ultimately fail due to the resilience of the state and the unity of its people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the event and underscored Pakistan’s role as a “net regional stabiliser” contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond.
They both later attended a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, where they were briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, governance reforms and counterterrorism measures.
During his interaction with officers and troops at the college, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed that the armed forces, with the “steadfast support of the people, remain fully committed to the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.
“Underscoring the importance of sustainable peace and stability in Balochistan, the field marshal highlighted that long-term progress depends upon a people-centric approach, inclusive development and improved governance alongside security efforts,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The army chief appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Balochistan government, noting that it was “focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening the bond between the state and the people of the province”.
He also appreciated the high morale, operational readiness and professional commitment of officers and troops in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.
During his address, he “appreciated high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism that remain the hallmark” of the college.
Upon his arrival at Quetta, CDF Munir was received by the Quetta Corps Commander. PM Shehbaz also arrived in the city for a one-day visit and was received by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail.
‘Pakistan net regional stabiliser’
PM Shehbaz, while addressing the event, underscored Pakistan’s role as a “net regional stabiliser”.
“The prime minister underscored the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation and the strides made by Pakistan as a net regional stabiliser to contribute towards peace, stability and progression in the region and beyond,” the PMO statement said.
Referring to Marka-i-Haq, the prime minister paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces’ “historic victory”.
“The enemy falsely perceived itself as stronger than Pakistan. They rejected our sincere offer of dialogue to resolve differences and remove misunderstandings; instead, they chose the path of provocation, violence and aggression. India did not recognise that Pakistan’s peace offer was never its weakness; it was, in fact, our strength,” the prime minister said during his speech at the military institution, which was broadcast on TV.
The PMO statement said the premier highlighted Pakistan’s responsible conduct and escalation control against India’s “unprovoked hubristic aggression”, adding that Pakistan’s “mature, prudent and just stance” had been acknowledged by the international community.
“On the diplomatic front, Pakistan’s narrative was fully vindicated and that of our enemy was debunked and dismissed completely,” he said.
PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve “to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure at all costs”.
According to the PMO, the premier said Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq was continuing with “full resolve” to defend the lives and property of innocent citizens against Afghan-based terrorist proxies and to punish terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure.
“The Afghan government must take meaningful and credible actions against Islamic State Khorasan Province, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army, who use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said during his speech.
Apex committee meeting
Later, during the apex committee meeting, PM Shehbaz directed authorities to deploy the Frontier Corps in Balochistan’s Rakhshan division to establish a dedicated security corridor aimed at protecting the province’s mineral resources and related economic activities.
He said the corridor would include additional FC wings, highway security checkposts, surveillance grids and border posts to strengthen security infrastructure in the region. Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, especially minerals, the prime minister said, adding that ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan was essential for maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects.
Highlighting the importance of modern policing and law enforcement, he said that advanced training and the adoption of new technologies were vital for police and other security forces to eliminate terrorism.
The meeting was also attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi and Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials.
Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026
