Zardari vows to foil terror plots against Balochistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has pledged that efforts by terrorists to disrupt development and stability in Balochistan will be defeated.

Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The president said terrorist groups would not be allowed to derail development projects in the province. He expressed confidence that sustained efforts would eventually eliminate terrorism from Balochistan.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti briefed Zardari on the security situation in the province. He also provided an update on ongoing development initiatives and measures being taken by the provincial government.

Zardari stressed the need for stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments. He said close cooperation was essential to improving security, supporting development and protecting public welfare.

The president said Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by area and requires special attention and adequate resources. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the people of the province benefit from development and public services.

The meeting took place amid continued security challenges in Balochistan. The province has witnessed attacks targeting infrastructure and public utilities in recent weeks.

A major gas pipeline in Kacchi district’s Bolan area was recently damaged in an attack. The incident disrupted gas supplies to several towns and cities.

In another incident, armed attackers targeted high-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure near the Uch Power Plant in Dera Murad Jamali. Two 220kV transmission pylons were destroyed, while two others were partially damaged. The attack affected electricity supplies to Quetta, Sibi and other areas.

Security forces have also intensified operations against militant groups across the province.

In recent intelligence-based operations, security personnel killed nine terrorists in Ziarat, Harnai and Surab. Earlier operations in different areas also resulted in the deaths of several militants.

Authorities say security operations are continuing to target militant hideouts and prevent further attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.

The security situation remains a major challenge for Balochistan. A recent assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported a sharp increase in violence in the province during July.

According to the assessment, deaths linked to violence in Balochistan rose significantly compared with the previous month. The increase involved security personnel, militants and civilians.

The federal and provincial governments have continued to stress the importance of improving security alongside development. Officials say lasting peace is necessary for infrastructure projects, economic activity and public welfare initiatives to move forward.