QUETTA/ ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir jointly reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and eradicating terrorism, during high-profile visits to Quetta.
Addressing officers at the Command and Staff College and troops deployed in Balochistan, the two leaders lauded the armed forces’ professionalism and sacrifices, highlighted Pakistan’s principled stance against India’s aggression, and vowed to continue counter-terrorism operations—including against Afghan Taliban-based proxies—while emphasising inclusive development and modern military preparedness to counter evolving threats.
The prime minister visited Command and Staff College, Quetta, and addressed the faculty and student officers.
During his address, Shehbaz stated that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq is continuing with full resolve to defend lives and property of innocent citizens against Afghan Taliban-based terrorist proxies and to inflict strict punishment on terrorist hideouts and support infrastructures.
“The ongoing ‘Ghazab-lil-Haq’ campaign has instilled fear into the heart of our enemy. It is our firm resolve that we will not rest until we eradicate this menace from the face of Pakistan,” he added.
The prime minister said that a year ago, Pakistan faced Indian aggression but responded in a manner that taught India an “unforgettable lesson,” adding that no enemy would now dare cast an evil eye on the country.
He said the mastery of Pakistan’s flying falcons, over the skies and the supremacy, and deadly accuracy, of Fatah missiles ensured that the enemy was taught an unforgettable lesson.
He said that the enemy falsely perceived itself to be much stronger than them.
“They ignored our genuine and sincere offer of dialogue to resolve differences and remove misunderstandings. Instead, they chose the path of provocation, violence and aggression,” he added.
The prime minister further said that India did not recognise that Pakistan’s peace offer was never its weakness but was actually its strength.
On the diplomatic front also, he said, Pakistan’s narrative was fully vindicated, whereas that of their enemy was debunked and dismissed.
“India’s false allegations fell flat in the face of Pakistan’s measured and mature response that relied solely on the truth alone,” he added.
The prime minister lauded the military leadership of Pakistan under the vision and command of the COAS & CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The prime minister said that their counter-terrorism campaign continued over the past two decades.
Referring to the Iran-US conflict, he said more than two months ago, the conflict that engulfed the brotherly country of Iran plunged the entire region into deep uncertainty and economic vulnerability.
In this hour of trial and tribulation, Pakistan, with the support of its friends and partners, stepped forward to urge both sides to pursue peace through dialogue, he added.
The prime minister mentioned that as a result of their sincere diplomatic efforts on 8th April, the US and Iran announced a ceasefire at their request.
He also commended President Trump’s bold leadership and his “dear brother”, President Masoud Pezeshkian, for responding to their request.
The historic Islamabad Talks that took place on 11th of April were the first direct high-level talks between both countries in 47 years, he added.
The prime minister said Pakistan had consistently advocated the rights of the Palestinian people who had been facing illegal Israeli occupation as well as its brutal aggression.
“We believe that the only just and legitimate resolution of the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent, Palestinian state in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” he further reiterated.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would not be dissuaded from extending moral, diplomatic and political support to the innocent people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
“Their struggle for freedom from oppression continues with unceasing passion and commitment,” he observed.
About diplomatic endeavours, he said Pakistan was also strengthening its time-tested friendships and partnerships with China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar and other brotherly countries.
As regards Afghanistan, the prime minister reiterated that while they wanted to live peacefully with its neighbour, the Afghan Taliban regime must take meaningful and credible action against militant groups, including ISKP, TTP and BLA, who continued to use the Afghan soil to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
About economic progress, he said that a strong and vibrant economy was vital for a nation’s defence.
The prime minister said that he envisioned a strong, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan - a Pakistan that would soon become an economic power, adding that they aspired to become an economy driven by exports, innovation, industry, technology and private enterprise.
He further resolved that they were building institutions that are transparent, merit-based and capable of serving the people with integrity and efficiency.
COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NJ Commandant, Command and Staff College, Major General Naseem Anwer, ministers, faculty members, participants of staff course and officers from friendly countries were present on the occasion.
The prime minister said that it was a profound honour for him to address them and extended a special welcome to the guest officers from brotherly and friendly countries.
He said it was here at this very institution that the Father of Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reminded the officers of Pakistan’s Armed Forces about their duties.
“You, along with other Forces of Pakistan, are the custodians of the life, property and honour of the people of Pakistan. The defence forces are the most vital of all Pakistan services, and correspondingly, a very heavy responsibility and burden lies on your shoulders,” the prime minister quoted Quaid’s words.
The prime minister, addressing the officers, said that they represented one of the world’s finest militaries.
“I am grateful to your families, whose sacrifice and support lend you even greater strength and resilience. I have seen mothers gently embracing the photographs of their sons with trembling hands and fathers standing tall despite the grief in their hearts, knowing that their beloved child had laid down his life for Pakistan,” he added.
The entire nation, the prime minister said, was forever grateful to the widows whose husbands would never return and to those orphans whose fathers had left them for an eternal abode.
“The blood of our martyrs continues to nourish the roots of our freedom and the peace and security we cherish today is the fruit of their bravery, devotion and ultimate sacrifice.
“It is this fearless spirit that inspires our Armed Forces to attain excellence in all spheres,” he added.
The prime minister assured that the government and above all the people of Pakistan, would always stand behind their armed forces, adding, “We are united as one! Indeed, an iron wall! Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”
He said their commitment was to realise the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and build a nation where merit would prevail, integrity would guide public life and every citizen would have an equal opportunity to rise through hard work and untiring effort.
The prime minister expressed his confidence that with an abiding faith in Allah Almighty, trust in their people’s resilience, Pakistan would rise to become the great nation as envisioned by the founding fathers.
Earlier upon arrival at Command and Staff College, the prime minister was received by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Meanwhile, Field Marshal Asim Munir, while interacting with officers and troops formations deployed in Balochistan during his visit to Quetta, reiterated that hostile forces attempting to derail Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda would ultimately fail due to the resilience of the state and the unity of its people.
The Field Marshal emphasised that Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism.
Highlighting the contours of prevailing security environment, he reaffirmed that Pakistan Armed Forces, with the steadfast support of the people, remain fully committed to the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.
Underscoring the importance of sustainable peace and stability in Balochistan, the COAS & CDF highlighted that long-term progress depends upon a people-centric approach, inclusive development and improved governance alongside security efforts. He appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Government of Balochistan focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening the bond between the state and the people of the province.
The Field Marshal also appreciated the high morale, operational readiness and professional commitment of officers and troops in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.
Earlier, upon his arrival at Quetta, the COAS & CDF was received by Quetta Corps Commander.
During the visit, the Field Marshal also addressed student officers and faculty members at Command and Staff College, Quetta, where he appreciated high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism that remain the hallmark of the college.
He noted with satisfaction that the graduates of the college have continued to distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance and dedication to the profession.
The COAS and CDF highlighted rapidly transforming character of modern warfare and stressed the importance of remaining abreast with emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services synergy and future battlefield challenges. He advised the officers to continuously train themselves and their troops to effectively respond to the changing character of war while maintaining highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to deploy the Frontier Corps (FC) in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division to establish a dedicated security corridor aimed at protecting the province’s mineral resources and related economic activities.
The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta, where he was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, governance reforms and counter-terrorism measures, a PM Office news release said.
During the meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir and the armed forces for their efforts in combating terrorism in Balochistan and across the country. He also appreciated Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and his team for undertaking multiple public welfare initiatives in the province.
He said the corridor would include additional FC wings, highway security check-posts, surveillance grids and border posts to strengthen security infrastructure in the region.
“Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, especially minerals,” the prime minister said, adding that ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan was essential for maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects.
He also praised the Balochistan government for maintaining transparency and merit in appointments within the district administration.
Highlighting the importance of modern policing and law enforcement, he said that advanced training and the adoption of new technologies were vital for police and other security forces to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to integrating Balochistan’s youth into the national mainstream through educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, employment initiatives, scholarships, digital skills programmes, sports activities and greater participation in decision-making processes.
The premier noted that special attention was being given to infrastructure, education, healthcare and communication projects in Balochistan to provide equal development opportunities and better facilities for young people.
The officials, while briefing the meeting, said that all institutions were actively engaged in efforts to eradicate terrorism completely. They also informed the participants that youth welfare projects, including skills development programmes, were progressing in the province.
The briefing further revealed that no polio case had been reported in Balochistan since November 2024. Several healthcare projects, including a cancer institute, dialysis and trauma centres had become operational, while work on additional facilities was underway.
The officials said that 99 percent of schools in Balochistan were currently open and educational activities were continuing uninterrupted. They also highlighted the success of a solar energy initiative that had benefited more than 15,000 households, resulting in reported savings of approximately Rs105 billion so far.
The meeting was attended by COAS & CDF Asim Munir, CM Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Earlier, the prime minister arrived in Quetta for a one-day visit.
Upon his arrival at the airport, the prime minister was received by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail.
