ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has labeled the August 26 terrorist attacks in Balochistan as part of a conspiracy to disrupt the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for October in Pakistan.
Naqvi stated that the government is aware of the groups behind these attacks and reaffirmed its commitment to confronting and defeating anti-state forces.
During a Senate discussion on the Balochistan situation on Friday, Naqvi revealed that the coordinated attacks, carried out by multiple terrorist organizations, have clear links to external elements.
While he did not name specific countries, he implied that certain forces do not want the SCO event to be held in Pakistan. He urged all political parties to unite against those challenging the state’s authority.
Naqvi stressed that anyone who supports the state will be respected, though the government will address any grievances to the best of its ability.
He warned that armed rebellion against the state would not be tolerated and that those who resort to violence would face appropriate repercussions. Naqvi also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had recently visited Quetta and met with political stakeholders to address local issues.
The prime minister has ordered Rs5 billion for the Balochistan police’s Counter-Terrorism Department and Rs8 billion for provincial divisions to tackle regional problems.
To address a shortage of federal employees in Balochistan, Naqvi announced that 30 to 40 officials would be deployed to the province over the next 15 days. He clarified that no military operations are currently underway in Balochistan.
In response to a lawmaker’s question about the Apex Committee’s legal status, Naqvi affirmed that parliament remains the supreme authority.
Senator Shibli Faraz criticized Naqvi’s comments, suggesting that labeling the Balochistan attacks as minor issues was an oversimplification. He emphasized the need to address the province’s complex situation through stakeholder engagement.
Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan proposed holding a Senate session in Quetta to hear the victims’ grievances and questioned the absence of human rights organizations condemning the recent violence.
Senator Bilal Ahmad Mandokhail called for recognizing the importance of Balochistan and suggested that past use of force should be reviewed to determine its effectiveness. He urged for a political solution to prevent the closure of dialogue opportunities.
Faraz also speculated that a government change might be imminent, citing the lack of ministerial presence in the Senate.
A notable moment occurred when PTI Senator Dost Mohammad Khan suggested that releasing Imran Khan, whom he referred to as an expert on terrorism, could help end terrorism. PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, presiding over the session, asked Khan to clarify, as he likely meant Khan was skilled at combating terrorism.
Khan’s response and the ensuing confusion prompted efforts by PTI leaders Shibli Faraz and Mohsin Aziz to clarify, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.
