Quetta, March 13, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan cannot afford another terrorist attack like the Jaffar Express tragedy, stressing that the country’s peace and development are at risk unless terrorism is completely eliminated from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Chairing a high-level security meeting in Quetta, the prime minister expressed grief over the incident, stating that “those who once forged ties with the Taliban are responsible for the situation we face today.” He cautioned that if terrorists are not completely wiped out, Pakistan’s journey toward progress will come to a standstill.
Raising a critical question, Shehbaz Sharif asked: “When terrorism had already been crushed, how did these groups re-emerge?” He pointed to past policies that resulted in the release of hardened Taliban militants, allowing them to regroup and reestablish their networks.
The prime minister criticized these decisions, stating, “Unfortunately, some Taliban fighters with dark pasts were released, and now we are paying the price for those actions.” He added that such moves have not only fueled militancy but also emboldened Pakistan’s enemies.
Shehbaz Sharif lamented that some factions within the country are amplifying enemy narratives instead of supporting the fight against terrorism. He also condemned Pakistan’s eastern neighbor for exploiting the situation by spreading propaganda.
During the meeting, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti briefed the prime minister on the security situation in the province. Shehbaz Sharif praised the swift action of security forces, particularly the SSG’s Zarrar Company, for successfully rescuing 339 hostages. He emphasized that Zarrar Company was specifically formed to counter such threats, reaffirming the state’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
The prime minister condemned the brutality of the terrorists, noting that they showed no regard for the sanctity of Ramadan as they held innocent passengers hostage, including women, children, elderly citizens, and military personnel.
To address the ongoing security crisis, Shehbaz Sharif announced that he would soon convene an All Parties Conference (APC) to formulate a collective strategy against terrorism. He warned that terrorist groups aim to create divisions among Pakistanis, and the most urgent need is national unity.
“We can continue our political differences, but we must unite against terrorism,” he asserted, adding that a well-prepared consultative meeting will be held soon to address these challenges.
Reaffirming Balochistan’s inseparable bond with Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan’s prosperity is directly linked to Balochistan’s progress. He urged all political leadership to learn from past mistakes and work together to tackle the country’s security and economic challenges.
“I am not here for political point-scoring; I am here to ensure that we take practical steps to secure Pakistan’s future,” the prime minister concluded.
