Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has held those who fostered ties with the Taliban accountable for Pakistan’s ongoing security challenges, urging the nation to recognize “enemies disguised as friends.”
Speaking at a security meeting in Quetta regarding Balochistan’s law and order situation, PM Shehbaz warned that if terrorism is not eradicated, Pakistan’s progress would come to a halt.
Expressing deep sorrow over the Jaffar Express attack, the prime minister stated that the entire nation was mourning the tragic loss. He condemned the terrorists for taking unarmed passengers hostage and executing them in cold blood. “The passengers were returning home for Eid, including army personnel. Suicide bombers surrounded them, but a strategic operation was carried out,” he said.
He praised the Zarrar Company for saving 339 lives and acknowledged the swift action of security forces in neutralizing 33 terrorists.
PM Shehbaz questioned the resurgence of terrorism despite Pakistan’s immense sacrifices. “The nation gave 80,000 lives to defeat terrorism. Our forces had crushed this menace. So why is it rising again?” he asked.
The prime minister directly blamed those who supported the Taliban, stating, “We are facing these challenges today because some people aligned themselves with the Taliban. They released thousands of militants from jails. The way this incident has been discussed is beyond words.”
He also criticized Pakistan’s “eastern enemy” for spreading propaganda and cautioned against internal criticism of the military, warning, “If we target our own armed forces, imagine what will happen to the country.”
On the issue of Balochistan, PM Shehbaz emphasized that both security and development in the province must be a collective effort. He reiterated that the National Action Plan, formulated after the APS attack, remains crucial, stressing that Pakistan cannot afford further instability.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, who briefed the meeting, condemned the Jaffar Express attack, asserting that such terrorism was against Baloch traditions and culture. He vowed to eliminate terrorism from the province.
