ISLAMABAD : In a strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that the violence is not a legitimate struggle for rights but acts of terrorism orchestrated with foreign support. In an official statement issued on Sunday, the minister framed the assaults as a dual attack targeting both the Pakistani state and the ordinary citizens of Balochistan.
Minister Asif accused the terrorist elements of being fundamentally opposed to peace and development in the province. “These elements do not tolerate development or peace,” he stated, explaining their pattern of targeting “laborers, travelers and ordinary citizens.” He argued that the militants’ goal is to cripple economic progress by destroying development projects and stifling employment opportunities, directly threatening initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Defense Minister detailed the financial underpinnings of these groups, alleging they are bankrolled by a “drug-driven economy, extortion, and smuggling.” He further claimed they actively conspire against national projects and utilize social media as a tool to promote terrorism and recruit disaffected youth.
Despite the grave allegations, Asif projected unwavering confidence in the state’s capacity to respond. “The state is determined, the morale of our law enforcement agencies is high,” he declared. Issuing a firm warning, the minister vowed that the government would pursue all parties involved, stating, “we will bring terrorists, facilitators and external handlers to their logical conclusion. Insha Allah.”
