Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was continuing with full resolve to protect the lives and property of innocent citizens by targeting Afghan Taliban regime-based terrorist proxies, their hideouts and support infrastructure.
The prime minister made these remarks while visiting the Command and Staff College, Quetta, where he addressed the faculty and student officers. He was accompanied by the Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February this year, months after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, following clashes triggered by unprovoked gunfire by the Afghan Taliban regime at multiple border points.
Despite many rounds of talks, both countries have so far failed to reach an agreement due to the Afghan Taliban regime's reluctance to take action against terrorist outfits operating from its soil.
During the visit, the prime minister lauded the professionalism, operational preparedness, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability.
He paid rich tribute to the Shuhada and the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces in defence of the motherland. The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces' historic victory under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
He highlighted Pakistan’s responsible conduct and escalation control against India’s unprovoked hubristic aggression, stating that Pakistan’s mature, prudent and just stance was also acknowledged by the international community.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure at all costs.
Marka-e-Haq (battle of truth) refers to the 19-day military conflict with India, spanning from April 22 to May 10, 2025.
In response to the Indian aggression, Pakistan's armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory military action, named "Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos", and targeted several Indian military targets across multiple regions.
Pakistan downed eight Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.
While acknowledging the presence of students from friendly countries during his Quetta visit, the prime minister underscored the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation and the strides made by Pakistan as a net regional stabiliser to contribute towards peace, stability and progression in the region and beyond.
Earlier, upon arrival at Command and Staff College Quetta, the prime minister was received by Field Marshal Asim Munir.
PM Shehbaz on Tuesday 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 Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
During the meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to CDF 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.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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.
The prime minister 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 programs, sports activities and greater participation in decision-making processes.
He 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 centres, and trauma centres, had become operational, while work on additional facilities was underway.
The officials said that 99% 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 Field Marshal Asim Munir, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Earlier today, CDF Munir visited Quetta to interact with officers and faculty members at Command and Staff College and later met officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan.
During his address, the army chief appreciated the institution’s high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism, noting that its graduates had consistently distinguished themselves through exceptional performance and commitment to the profession.
While interacting with officers and troops deployed in Balochistan, the field marshal reviewed the prevailing security environment and reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces, with the support of the people, remained fully committed to eradicating terrorism across the country.
He said hostile forces attempting to derail Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda would ultimately fail due to the resilience of the state and unity of its people.
