ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has alleged that hostile countries are behind terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming that militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij are receiving resources from enemy states.
Addressing participants of the Balochistan National Workshop, the prime minister said there was no doubt that Balochistan was home to courageous Baloch and Pashtun communities whose history was marked by bravery, hospitality and tolerance.
He said these traditions had been preserved throughout history and remained an important part of Pakistan’s national identity.
Highlighting Baloch tribal traditions, the prime minister said matters involving honour and dignity were treated with particular importance, adding that such principles should not be compromised at any cost.
The prime minister said the purpose of the Balochistan National Workshop was not merely to deliver official statements but to listen to the people and understand their concerns.
He recalled the creation of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saying the country emerged after the sacrifices of millions of Muslims. He said various parts of present-day Balochistan subsequently announced their accession to Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz said Balochistan’s history, culture and traditions were an integral part of Pakistan’s national identity, while the courage, hospitality and tolerance of the Baloch and Pashtun people were matters of pride.
Referring to the accession of princely states, the prime minister said their decision to join Pakistan after independence was not made at gunpoint. Rather, he said, it was based on the conviction that they would become part of Pakistan and contribute to its development and prosperity.
PM also referred to political and security-related developments in Balochistan during 1950, 1955 and 1970, saying those events remained part of history.
He said there would continue to be debate over how those issues should have been handled and whether they could have been resolved through dialogue.
The prime minister noted that by 1970, the entire territory of Balochistan had become part of Pakistan and was recognised as the country’s fourth province.
His remarks came as security forces continue counterterrorism operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid ongoing security challenges in the two provinces.
