Maryam Nawaz announces Rs10bn assistance for security forces in Balochistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced Rs10 billion in financial assistance for security forces operating in Balochistan, reaffirming Punjab’s support for peace and stability in the province.
The chief minister made the announcement during her day-long visit to Quetta on Tuesday, where she attended a ceremony at the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters, and held a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti along with her provincial cabinet.
In the meeting, the Punjab chief minister said the contribution was aimed at strengthening security efforts in Balochistan. She praised the people of Balochistan for their resilience and commitment to Pakistan, adding that the Punjab government would extend all possible cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by the province.
“The spirit of the people of Balochistan and their attachment to Pakistan is commendable,” she said. “We stand with Balochistan. The elimination of terrorism is possible through national unity, and we want to see peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan,” she stated.
Maryam Nawaz’s visit comes in the wake of coordinated attacks carried out across 12 towns in Balochistan on January 31. In response, security forces conducted Operation Raddul Fitna 1, eliminating 216 India-sponsored terrorists in various coordinated engagements and clearance operations.
However, 36 civilians, including women and children, along with 22 security and law enforcement agencies personnel, embraced martyrdom in these operations.
In a separate meeting, Maryam called on Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail to discuss the overall law and order situation and recent political developments in Balochistan.
Governor Mandokhail highlighted the cordial relations between the federal government and provinces, stressing the need for concrete steps to promote inter-provincial harmony and strengthen mutual ties.
Maryam assured the Balochistan governor of her continued contact and full cooperation in the future. Both agreed on the importance of enhancing relations between provinces and promoting people-to-people connections.