• During visit to Quetta, Zardari discusses law and order with civilian, military leadership
• Asserts terrorists will be defeated, special camp office to be set up to address grievances

QUETTA: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday pledged terrorist elements would be defeated at all costs and every attempt to divide the nation would fail.

Presiding over a meeting on law and order here, the president emphasised that the state’s stance on terrorism is clear and that winning the war against terrorism is imperative.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti gave a comprehensive briefing on the security situation in the province. Prominent among those who attended the meeting were PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and acting Governor of Balochistan Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

Addressing the meeting, President Zardari said Balochistan is close to his heart and its development and sustainable peace remain his top priority.

He expressed his desire to see every child in school and stressed the need for equipping the youth with modern technology.

The president assured the provincial leadership that the Counter-Terrorism Wing would be provided with advanced weaponry to effectively combat criminal elements and terrorists.

Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, IGP Moazzam Jah Ansari and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

Separately, President Zardari met members of parliamentary parties in Balochistan. PPP Chairman Bhutto-Zardari was also present during the meeting.

Opposition leaders in the Balochistan Assembly and parliamentary leaders of various political parties presented proposals regarding public welfare and the challenges facing the province.

During the discussion, President Zardari highlighted that he had a special connection with the people of Balochistan.

He emphasised that as Pakistanis, national solidarity must be upheld to take the country forward. He held out the assurance that all rights would be granted to people. “We do not believe in taking away rights but in winning the hearts of the people by granting them their due.”

He expressed the confidence that the efforts being made for the welfare and prosperity of Balochistan would yield positive results.

The president announced that he would set up a special camp in Balochistan after Eid to listen to public grievances and suggestions.

During the meeting, Leader of Opposition in the Balochistan Assembly Mir Younas Aziz Zehri appreciated Chief Minister Bugti’s initiatives and assured of his complete cooperation in this regard.

The meeting was also attended by the acting governor and the chief minister. Other prominent participants included National Party chief Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, parliamentary leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, parliamentary leader of Awami National Party, Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai, and Jamaat-i-Islami member, Mir Abdul Majeed Badini.

Members of the Balochistan cabinet, provincial ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and assembly members were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2025