Quetta, June 1, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and confronting Indian-sponsored proxy networks in Balochistan.
Addressing a grand jirga of tribal elders at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta, the country’s civil and military leadership jointly underscored the gravity of external threats and the need for a united national response. The jirga was convened to strengthen coordination with tribal leadership amid heightened security concerns in the province.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the discussion centered on countering destabilization efforts allegedly orchestrated by Indian intelligence, while also ensuring that development and peace efforts reach the grassroots.
Prime Minister Shehbaz accused India of funding and supporting terrorist groups in Balochistan, including an outfit referred to as “Fitna Al-Hindustan.” He warned that such elements aim to exploit local discontent and undermine national cohesion.
“Those who threaten our peace will find no refuge in Pakistan,” he said. “This is a national fight, and the state — backed by its people, armed forces, and institutions — will see it through to a decisive end.”
The prime minister lauded the role of tribal elders in upholding national unity and stressed the need to shield communities from manipulation by hostile actors. He emphasized that real empowerment in Balochistan lies in ensuring development reaches every citizen.
“Balochistan’s people have a proud legacy of defending Pakistan,” he said. “We must ensure that government initiatives create tangible change and prevent any foreign-backed subversion.”
In his address, Field Marshal Munir said India’s involvement in terrorism within Pakistan was no longer covert but part of a visible and dangerous campaign to disrupt peace and progress.
“This proxy war is now an open act of aggression against Pakistan,” the Army Chief stated. “We have concrete evidence of Indian support to terrorist networks operating in Balochistan.”
He reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the nation against all threats, declaring that peace in Balochistan is essential and non-negotiable.
“With the full support of the people — especially the brave Baloch — we will confront and defeat every enemy, foreign or domestic,” he said.
Both leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of security forces and law enforcement agencies operating in the province. PM Shehbaz pledged full state support for the families of martyrs and vowed that all perpetrators and facilitators of terrorism would be brought to justice.
The jirga concluded with a unanimous pledge by tribal elders to stand alongside the state in defending peace, security, and development in Balochistan.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he addressed officers and faculty. Highlighting the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, he called for enhanced operational readiness and strategic planning to counter emerging threats — particularly those emanating from foreign-backed networks targeting sensitive regions like Balochistan.
