PM Shehbaz arrives Quetta for high-level security talks

Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and senior civil and military

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on Thursday for a day-long visit to review the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan following a series of deadly terrorist attacks that have claimed dozens of lives in recent days.

Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and senior civil and military officials. During the visit, he is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting focused on law and order, with senior government and security officials expected to assess the latest security challenges and discuss measures to strengthen counterterrorism efforts in the province.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah are accompanying the premier during the visit.

The visit comes amid heightened security concerns after the military disclosed that at least 42 people, most of them security personnel and law enforcement officials, have been killed in terrorist attacks and subsequent security operations across Balochistan since July 5.

Military officials said the recent wave of violence included three major attacks: an assault on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5, an attack on a police checkpoint in Ziarat on July 6 and an ambush targeting an army convoy in Bela on Wednesday.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry vowed that security forces would continue operations against the attackers and their facilitators. He also accused India and elements operating from Afghanistan of supporting the militant violence, alleging that hostile forces were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s peace, stability and progress.

The prime minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to restoring security in Balochistan and reinforcing coordination between civilian authorities and security institutions to combat terrorism.