The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, on Monday emphasised that Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and wellbeing of its people.

He said Pakistan’s Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies will continue to fight menace of terrorism with the complete support of the people of Pakistan. The Army Chief made these remarks while interacting with the participants of 15th National Workshop Balochistan here at GHQ, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Speaking at the occasion, the Army Chief highlighted government’s persistent focus on improving the socioeconomic profile of Balochistan, and stated that the scale and scope of ongoing and planned initiatives should serve to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard.

Many development projects have already started bearing fruit benefiting the people of Balochistan. Appreciating the role of the civil society members in raising awareness among the people of Balochistan, specially the youth, the COAS emphasized their role in enabling the progress leading to prosperity.

The COAS underscored that foreign sponsored terrorism remains the gravest threat to Balochistan’s security and development. He warned that the nefarious designs of hostile elements, who seek to incite violence, spread fear, and destabilize the province, will not be allowed to succeed.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve, the Army Chief stated that terrorism knows no religion, sect, or ethnicity, and must be confronted with unwavering national unity. Terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in name of Baloch identity to advance their petty insidious agenda, are a blemish on Baloch honour and patriotism.

Since 2016, the Workshop brings together a large number of male and female parliamentarians, bureaucrats, members of civil society, youth, academia and media representatives, with maximum representation from Balochistan.

The Workshop, encompassing interactions, seminars, group discussions and visits to different parts of the country. It is aimed at enabling future leadership of Balochistan in understanding vital national and provincial issues and mounting cohesive response. The Workshop concluded after an engaging and candid Question and Answer (Q and A) session.