Islamabad, 30 August 2024 (TDI): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Friday that recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan were planned by anti-state actors to sabotage the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) scheduled in Pakistan later this year.
He made these remarks while addressing a Senate session today.
“The government is well aware of the perpetrators of the attacks, and would take due action against them,” he said.
Pakistan will host the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting from October 15 to 16 in Islamabad. In this regard, the government has already sent invitations to all SCO countries, including India.
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Addressing the Senate today, Naqvi said many elements did not want Pakistan to host the SCO conference and were hatching conspiracies to sabotage it.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was taking concrete steps to ensure lasting peace in the province and held detailed consultations with the political parties.
“The premier has allocated Rs5 billion for Balochistan’s Counterterrorism Department (CTD) and Rs8 billion for development projects in the province.”
The minister said the government could hold talks with disgruntled factions who recognize Pakistan. “However, there will be no negotiations with terrorists who do not recognize Pakistan and have taken up arms,” Naqvi added.
Attacks in Balochistan
In a series of terrorist attacks on Sunday night, at least 73 people, including police and security personnel embraced martyrdom.
The attacks carried out by the militants of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) targeted police stations, railway lines and highways.
On Sunday night, BLA militants blocked a highway in Musakhail, marched 23 passengers off vehicles, and shot them after checking their identity cards.
Read More: Over 20 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Clearance Operations
On Monday, the security forces launched a combing operation in the area and sent 21 terrorists to hell.
However, during the conduct of operations, the statement said fourteen brave sons of soil including ten security forces soldiers and 4 personnel of law enforcement agencies, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.
