“Missing Persons Are a Total Fraud,” Says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Vows to Eradicate Terrorism
**Sialkot:**
Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called the missing persons narrative “a total fraud” and reiterated that Pakistan will completely eliminate terrorism from the country. Speaking to the media in Sialkot, he claimed that most of the so-called missing persons are members of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and when terrorists are killed, their names often appear on the missing persons list. He also alleged that families of these individuals receive allowances, while militants exploit children and women in their operations.
Referring to attacks carried out the previous day, Asif said women were used in two locations. He accused India of involvement in terrorist activities, describing the BLA as a foreign-funded terrorist organization with networks in other countries. He warned India and Afghanistan against using groups like the BLA and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as proxy franchises.
The defence minister detailed recent attacks, including the suicide blast at the Dalbandin FC headquarters, operations in Noshki, and 12 other targeted locations, claiming that terrorists left behind multiple bodies and fled. He said Pakistan’s armed forces are actively engaged in ongoing operations to neutralize such threats.
Asif also criticized political leaders for remaining silent or failing to condemn terrorism, calling them inadvertent facilitators. He praised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister for condemning terrorism and emphasized that political differences must not hinder unity against extremist attacks.
He highlighted that terrorist acts affect children across all provinces and urged all political parties to prioritize love for the homeland over political interests. Asif further claimed that terrorists misuse the guise of human rights, and the recent capture of a young female suicide bomber in Karachi revealed how militants indoctrinate children for attacks.
“The campaign against terrorism continues. As we identify facilitators, we eliminate them,” the defence minister said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan from both domestic and foreign-supported terrorism.
