Terrorist attempts to impede Balochistan's development will be foiled 'at all costs', Zardari tells CM Bugti

President Asif Ali Zardari met with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to discuss the need to prevent terrorists from disrupting the province's development, according to a statement released by the Presidency. Zardari vowed to thwart attempts by foreign-backed terrorists to hinder progress in Balochistan and asserted that eradication of terrorism from the region is imminent.

The meeting, held at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad, saw Bugti provide an update on the province's situation and ongoing development efforts. Zardari emphasized the importance of effective cooperation between federal and provincial governments for peace, prosperity, and welfare in Balochistan, stating that the province, being the largest in terms of area, demands special attention and resources.

The meeting occurred amid a backdrop of persistent terrorist activity and lawlessness in Balochistan, including attacks on infrastructure. In the previous week, a key gas pipeline in Kacchi district's Bolan was destroyed by unknown assailants, resulting in the suspension of supply to several towns and cities. Two 220kV high-voltage transmission pylons were also deliberately damaged near the Uch Power Plant in Dera Murad Jamali on July 13, disrupting electricity to Quetta, Sibi, and several other areas of Balochistan.

Security forces have been actively pursuing terrorists in the province, with recent intelligence-based operations (IBO) resulting in the deaths of nine terrorists in Ziarat, Harnai, and Surab areas, and seven others in Kharan's Lajay area. On Saturday, security forces killed ten terrorists and injured many others in Balochistan's Khuzdar district, while at least 18 terrorists were killed in Surab, including eight in a premature detonation, as reported by the military's media affairs wing.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a significant deterioration in the security situation in Balochistan last month, with the overall death toll increasing by 241% from 109 in June to 372 in July. Security personnel deaths rose from six in June to 62 in July, a 933% surge, while terrorist deaths jumped from 75 to 238, and civilian deaths surged by 93%, from 28 to 54. Additionally, eight members of peace committees were killed in the province.