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No 'no-go areas' in Balochistan, claims Home Minister amid terror activity
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ Pakistan /Elections & Politics

No 'no-go areas' in Balochistan, claims Home Minister amid terror activity

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Balochistan Home Minister claims there are no "no-go areas" in the province despite ongoing terrorist activity.
  • He accused armed groups of terrorism and extortion under the guise of an independence struggle, allegedly backed by India and Afghanistan.
  • The minister reported that terrorists had stolen ambulances provided for healthcare in Kalat and Khaliqabad, and his own convoy came under attack, injuring six security personnel.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove asserted that the province has no "no-go areas," even as he acknowledged the persistent presence of terrorists along the Quetta-Karachi national highway. Speaking at a press conference, Langove characterized the actions of armed groups as terrorism and extortion, conducted under the pretense of an "independence struggle." He urged public support for state institutions in combating terrorism.

terrorists remained active along the Quetta-Karachi national highway and security forces were conducting operations against them.

โ€” Mir Ziaullah LangoveAcknowledging ongoing security challenges in Balochistan.

Langove further accused these groups of being directed by external forces, specifically naming India and Afghanistan as backers. He detailed how terrorists allegedly confiscated 30 to 35 ambulances that had been provided to improve healthcare access in Kalat and Khaliqabad, disregarding pleas from local women. The minister stated that these groups are not fighting for genuine independence but are instead depriving communities of essential services and attempting to impose their ideology on youth and women.

armed groups of carrying out terrorism and extortion in the name of an โ€œindependence struggleโ€

โ€” Mir Ziaullah LangoveDescribing the motives and actions of terrorist groups.

Adding to the security concerns, Langove revealed that his own convoy was targeted while returning from Kalat. He stated that terrorists attempted to attack his vehicle, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Six security personnel sustained injuries during the incident and received immediate medical attention before being transferred to a hospital in Quetta. Langove acknowledged that government operations against terrorists sometimes draw criticism but appealed for public and political support in managing the security situation.

terrorists had taken them away.

โ€” Mir Ziaullah LangoveReferring to the alleged theft of ambulances by terrorists.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.