The Punjab government has provided Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan with modern safety and security equipment worth Rs10 billion to strengthen its counterterrorism capacity.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited the FC Headquarters in Quetta and addressed a special ceremony, where she conveyed her salutations – on behalf of herself and the people of Punjab – to FC officers and personnel.
“It is an honour for me to visit FC Headquarters Quetta. Balochistan is not alone; Punjab stands shoulder to shoulder with it,” she said, thanking the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the IG FC for the invitation.
She said providing funds for capacity-building of FC Balochistan was not a favour but the province’s right. “FC personnel fight for the country and the nation; ensuring their protection is the government’s responsibility,” she added.
The chief minister paid tribute to the martyrs of FC after reviewing the list of over 1,000 personnel who embraced martyrdom. She also visited the family of Shaheed Captain Muhammad Ali Qureshi and said the sacrifices of martyrs and their families were a source of pride for the nation.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said security personnel were performing their duties in extremely challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain purely out of patriotism. She termed the increasing participation of women in security forces a welcome development.
Referring to the challenges faced by the country, she said Pakistan was confronting “fifth-generation warfare” and stressed the need to counter negative narratives with clarity and resolve. “Those who seek to divide us will never succeed,” she said.
She added that under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, security forces are effectively countering hostile elements. “If we remain strong and united, even our worst enemy cannot harm us,” she said, adding that peace and stability in Balochistan are a national priority.
The chief minister urged the youth and women of Balochistan not to become tools in the hands of extremists and instead contribute towards the province’s development.
Highlighting measures taken in Punjab, she said the provincial government had enhanced the capacity of all law enforcement agencies to curb crime, resulting in a significant decline in crime rates. She noted that CCTV surveillance now covers streets, neighbourhoods and highways across Punjab.
She emphasized that those who attack places of worship or take up arms against the state are enemies of the country and deserve no leniency. “Strong and unambiguous action will continue against terrorists,” she said.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti appreciated Punjab’s assistance, terming it a positive and commendable step for strengthening security in the province.