Army focused on maintaining security in Balochistan, COAS tells CM Kamal

RAWALPINDI: Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Jam Kamal on Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed with him security situation of the province, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the meeting, the chief minister appreciated efforts of Pakistan Army towards provision of enabling security environment for execution of socio-economic development projects as part of Khushal Balochistan programme, the ISPR said in a statement.

On the occasion, the COAS said that maintaining security situation of Balochistan was focus of Pak Army, adding that the progress of Pakistan was linked to peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, the statement read.

General Bajwa said fencing of Pak-Afghan border and enhanced security coordination on Pak-Iran border shall further improve the security situation, it added.

Balochistan — Pakistan's largest province in terms of land area — has long been plagued by an insurgency and targetted killings. However, security forces have conducted effective operations across the province cracking down on militants in recent years.

Following the beginning of Operation Raddul Fasaad, security forces intensified intelligence-based and combing operations in an effort to establish peace in the province.

This has led to a considerable drop in militancy in the province but scattered attacks do take place there at times, with security personnel often seizing arms and ammunition dumped in far-flung areas.