In a powerful show of unity and resolve, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday addressed a grand jirga of tribal elders at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta. Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism and neutralising India’s proxy warfare in Balochistan.The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement outlining the objectives of the jirga: to bolster collaboration with tribal leaders and address the evolving security situation in the province. A key focus was on combating the destabilising actions of Indian-sponsored terrorist groups and strengthening development initiatives spearheaded by the government.Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the growing threat posed by these terrorist networks, reportedly supported by India, such as “Fitna Al-Hindustan.” He warned that these groups aim to exploit local grievances to gain a foothold in Balochistan—an effort that must be rejected outright.“The enemies of peace will find no safe haven within Pakistan,” the prime minister asserted. “Our message is clear: the Government, Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and administrative apparatus, with the full backing of the nation, will ensure that terrorism is eradicated once and for all.”Shehbaz also commended the critical role of tribal elders in upholding national unity and called for continued grassroots efforts to isolate terrorist factions. He stressed that development packages must deliver tangible benefits to Balochistan’s people, ensuring genuine progress and empowerment.“We must ensure that every citizen reaps the benefits of government development efforts,” he said. “The people of Balochistan have always safeguarded Pakistan’s integrity, and we rely on their vigilance against external threats.”Field Marshal Munir echoed the prime minister’s sentiments, declaring that India’s proxy war in Balochistan is no longer covert—it is a blatant act of aggression against Pakistan’s sovereignty and people.“We have irrefutable evidence of Indian support for these terrorist networks,” he stated. “The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the people and the steadfast Baloch, will confront and defeat every enemy—internal or external.”He further emphasised that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable, and the province’s stability is crucial for the entire nation’s progress.Both leaders also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of security forces and law enforcement agencies in Balochistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz pledged full state support for the families of martyrs and vowed that all those involved in terrorism—directly or indirectly—would face justice.The jirga concluded with a unified pledge from tribal elders to stand firmly with the government and armed forces in defending Balochistan’s security, stability, and development.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he addressed faculty and student officers. He reiterated the importance of maintaining operational readiness and strategic insight, especially in the face of hybrid threats in Balochistan, driven by Indian-backed proxies seeking to disrupt Pakistan’s stability.
