QUETTA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday urged the civil and military leadership to devise a joint strategy for ensuring durable peace in Balochistan.

He arrived in the provincial capital on a one-day visit and was accompanied by Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, National Party leader Mir Hasil Khan Bezinjo and Minister SAFRON Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch.

During his visit to Corps Headquarters at Quetta Cantonment, PM Sharif said security forces were playing commendable role for securing peace and tranquility in the province.

He called upon the military and civil leadership to adopt collective approach in this regard.

The Prime Minister said that Federal Government was committed to resolving the issue of Balochistan and put it on the track to prosperity.

He stressed the need to further accelerate development projects in the province to ensure relief for the masses.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai were also present on the occasion.

Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua gave detailed briefing to the premier on the overall law and order situation in Balochistan.

Earlier, the prime minister laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada (martyrs memorial monument) to acknowledge the contribution of martyrs of Army, FC and police who sacrificed their lives to defend the country.

Balochistan Police to be reinforced

Meanwhile, army chief Gen Raheel Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces will provide maximum assistance in enhancing the capacity of Balochistan Police to ensure peace in the province.

During his visit to Combat Training Area in Quetta Cantonment, where specialised anti-terrorism training is being imparted to personnel of Balochistan Police and Balochistan Constabulary, he said another three courses would be run this year.

The commander southern command and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

According to ISPR, currently, 200 individuals of police and Balochistan Constabulary are being imparted training by Pakistan Army's Southern Command in Quetta. The eight-week long course will conclude on February 7.

General Sharif expressed the hope that the trained persons will play an important role in combating the menace of terrorism in the province.

Earlier in 2013, Pakistan Army provided 5,000 weapons and 500,000 ammunition to Balochistan police besides imparting training to 200 police individuals to enhance their capacity in anti-terrorism.