Military Operation Needed in Balochistan to Eliminate Terrorism, Says Sadiq Umrani
QUETTA: Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Balochistan’s Provincial Minister for Irrigation, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, has said that a military operation should be launched in Balochistan to eradicate terrorism, adding that the PPP stands firmly with the Pakistan Army on matters of national security and peace.
Speaking during a telephonic conversation with Online News Agency, Umrani said the government would utilize all available resources to restore peace in the province and ensure the safety of its people.
He revealed that PPP’s provincial ministers and parliamentary representatives held a three-hour meeting in Karachi to discuss the security situation in Balochistan, restoration of law and order, and ongoing development projects. Various proposals aimed at improving the situation and ensuring lasting peace were presented during the meeting.
According to Umrani, President Asif Ali Zardari assured participants that the government would employ all available means to establish peace in Balochistan. He said the PPP’s roots lie among the people and that public support would play a key role in overcoming the province’s challenges.
Responding to a question, Umrani said an attempt was made to contact Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti via video call during the meeting with President Zardari, but he had already departed from Multan and could not be reached.
Addressing speculation regarding a possible change in the provincial leadership, Umrani dismissed reports of the chief minister’s replacement, describing them as mere rumors that have been circulating for a long time. He stated that Mir Sarfraz Bugti is continuing to work with his team and that there is no truth to the reports suggesting his removal from office.
Speaking on the restoration of peace, the provincial minister emphasized that decisive action against terrorist elements is unavoidable. He said that a military operation against terrorists is necessary to ensure the protection of lives and property, as well as to make national highways safe for travel.
“Terrorism has significantly worsened the situation in the province, and eliminating terrorist elements is essential for restoring peace and stability,” he said.
Umrani reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party supports efforts aimed at safeguarding national security and stands alongside the armed forces in initiatives undertaken for peace and stability in Balochistan.
