Hours after it emerged that militants had launched a large-scale attack across several districts of Balochistan, killing dozens, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday categorically announced that the government would neither hold any talks nor show any leniency to the terrorists who wanted to disrupt the country's journey towards progress.
"The time has come to eliminate terrorism. The sacrifices being rendered for the cause will never be squandered. We need to move forward with firm resolve. There is no question of any weakness," PM Shehbaz asserted while addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet on Tuesday, adding, "We are open to talks with those who believe in the supremacy of Pakistan's Constitution and respect its flag."
"But there can be no leniency or talks with those who are enemies in the guise of friends. This is a clear message. There are no two opinions on this."
Earlier, PM Shehbaz began by condemning the terror incidents in different parts of the country during the last couple of days in which dozens of citizens, officers and personnel of the security forces were martyred.
PM Shehabz said that it was no secret that terrorists linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were launching attacks in Pakistan while operating from Afghanistan.
He added that the Afghan government has been informed about the issue and has also taken effective actions against them.
Referring to the murder of passengers and labourers in Balochistan on Monday, he said such incidents could not terrorise the people.
"Such unholy designs are just meant to impede the country's progress, ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Balochistan and undermine the relationship between Pakistan and China," he remarked.
He told the cabinet members that the government had assured to provide all resources to the armed forces to fight terrorists and that the Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, and the armed forces personnel were determined to purge this scourge.
He identified the need to identify enemies and forge unity to eliminate them, adding that the recent terror incidents offered a "moment of reflection."
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated there was no room for terrorists in the country.
China to support Pakistan's anti-terror fight
With the attacks coming at a time when General Li Qiaoming, the Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Ground Forces, was visiting Pakistan, the Chinese government on Tuesday issued a strong statement in support of Pakistan.
"We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks and express our deep condolences over the lives lost," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during the regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
"China stands firm against all forms of terrorism," he said, adding, "We will continue giving staunch support to Pakistan in their effort to advance counterterrorism operations, uphold social solidarity and stability, and protect the safety of the people."
"China stands ready to further enhance counterterrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan and jointly safeguard peace and security in the region."
Attacks
On Sunday and Monday, militants associated with the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade at different locations across Balochistan. The attacks, experts said, coincided with the anniversary of the operation and attacks on former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Akbar Bugti.
The attacks left at least 39 civilians and 14 security personnel dead, while 21 militants were killed in the ensuing counter-terror operations.
The attacks allegedly commenced on the evening of August 25 when armed militants started blockading several roads and highways apart from launching attacks on military installations.
The militants also blocked the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman highway at two locations, including Malbahi in Kalat and Khadkucha in Mastung.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA Jeeyand) claimed responsibility for the attacks, adding that suicide bombers from their Majeed Brigade targeted a security forces headquarters in Bela City, Lasbela District of the province.
The military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said that on the night between August 25 and 26, terrorists attempted to conduct numerous heinous activities in different parts of Balochistan, including in Musa Khel, Kalat and Lasbela Districts.
"On behest of inimical and hostile forces, these cowardly acts of terrorism were aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment and development of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians," the military said, noting that it resulted in numerous innocent civilians being martyred.
In Musa Khel District, terrorists stopped a bus in the Rara Sham area, pulled off passengers from busses and maliciously targeted 23 innocent citizens who belonged to Southern Punjab and were working in Balochistan to earn their livelihood.
In a separate incident, armed militants attacked a Levies station in Mastung's Khadkucha area, confiscating arms, destroying the station, and torching three vehicles. Additionally, a railway line bridge in Kulpure and another railway track in the Mastung district were destroyed, and a 36-inch gas supply pipeline was damaged.
At least six bodies were recovered from the N65 Quetta-Sukkar highway in the mountainous region of Bolan.
The military claimed that security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately responded and successfully thwarted the terrorists in counter-terror operations. In the ensuing battle, at least 21 terrorists were killed.
However, during the counter-terror operations, 14 security officials were martyred, including ten soldiers and four personnel of law enforcement agencies - Balochistan Levies. Two vehicles of Levies were destroyed and the Kalat toll plaza was set on fire.
Sanitisation operations are being conducted against the instigators, perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of these heinous acts. The military vowed that militants targeting innocent civilians would be brought to justice.
"Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve."
On Tuesday, funeral prayers for the 14 martyred personnel were offered and they were laid to rest in their native areas.