Balochistan announced on Thursday the creation of a dedicated “red notice cell” to pursue nationals abroad accused of sponsoring militant attacks, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan amid renewed security concerns.
The move was announced at a press conference in the provincial capital Quetta by senior civilian and counterterrorism officials, who said the cell would coordinate legal cases seeking Interpol red notices against suspects based overseas, while also confirming the dismantling of a militant network accused of using underage children for logistical and financial activities.
“Our red notice cell has also been activated, lists for red notices have already been prepared,” Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat announced at a press conference.
“There are more than 100 individuals currently outside Pakistan who are conspiring against the country – they are lobbying, promoting and sponsoring terrorist activities in Pakistan,” Shafqaat said.
He explained that the government will first approach lower courts before submitting the names of suspects to the interior ministry to request a red notice from Interpol.
Meanwhile, DIG CTD Goraya confirmed the arrest of four suspected BLA militants involved in intelligence sharing and transporting extortion funds and arms for the group.
“There are more than 100 individuals currently outside Pakistan who are conspiring against the country – they are lobbying, promoting and sponsoring terrorist activities in Pakistan,” Shafqaat said.
He explained that the government will first approach lower courts before submitting the names of suspects to the interior ministry to request a red notice from Interpol.
Meanwhile, DIG CTD Goraya confirmed the arrest of four suspected BLA militants involved in intelligence sharing and transporting extortion funds and arms for the group.
He said Sajid Ahmed alias Shavez was arrested in Balochistan’s Panjgur district while he was transporting arms and ammunition to the Turbat district.
The official highlighted that Ahmed was also suspected of sharing locations of sensitive places with BLF and BLA operatives residing in a neighboring country via Google Earth software.
The CTD official pointed out that Ahmed was also “associated” with the prominent Baloch rights group, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
Goraya alleged that the BYC initially recruited children for their protests and later encouraged them to join the BLA or BLF.
“Recently, during investigations and inquiries, it has emerged that a proper network is being run which relies on underage children, because they are not thoroughly checked,” he said.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in Balochistan, calling the province the geographical heart of the country.
Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians and provincial ministers in Quetta on Thursday, he emphasized that national unity and strong federal-provincial cooperation were vital to overcoming Balochistan’s security and economic challenges.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Police, Frontier Corps and civilians in the fight against terrorism. He condemned Fitna-al-Khawarij and expressed regret over the support extended to terrorists by certain neighboring countries.
Praising military leadership, he lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his professional excellence, recalling his decisive command during the events of May 2025. “The government and the military will not rest until terrorism is completely uprooted,” he declared.
Reflecting on the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, PM Sharif recalled the consensus achieved under the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari and Yousaf Raza Gilani.
He noted that Punjab had voluntarily contributed Rs 11 billion annually from its share to Balochistan, amounting to
Rs 175 billion to date, in recognition of the province’s vast distances and unique needs. He added that committees were currently working on a new NFC Award to ensure equitable resource distribution and strengthen the federation.
The PM laid the foundation stone for the expansion of Karachi-Quetta-Chaman National Highway into a modern four-lane carriageway. He said the Rs 300 billion project would be funded through savings from fluctuating international petroleum prices, describing it as a gift from the people of Pakistan to Balochistan.
Once dubbed the “Killer Highway” due to frequent accidents, the Prime Minister announced its expansion to reduce traffic incidents and provide safer travel facilities to the people of Balochistan.
He said that five Danish schools would be established from Killa Saifullah to Turbat, offering free, world-class education to underprivileged children. The initiative will later be expanded across the province to educate the new generation to play a vital role in development and in eliminating terrorism, he added.
The PM expressed satisfaction over the successful conversion of agricultural tube wells to solar power, ensuring sustainable energy for farmers. Utilizing 400 million dollars from the World Bank following the 2022 floods, the government continues to construct houses across the province, with inaugurations planned for flood-affected families, he said.
PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed that former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif had always prioritized Balochistan’s prosperity. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a joint strategy to ensure that the journey of development reaches every corner of the province.