Losing not an option, PM tells new Baloch cadets

• Premier says nation united against terrorism, has no option but to succeed

Addressing the passing-out parade of first Special Combat Unit in Quetta, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday said the entire nation was united against terrorism and will definitely win this war as it was a matter of survival for Pakistan’s future generations.

Explaining that the fight against terrorism was deeply integrated with country’s social and economic life, the premier expressed resolve, “There is no choice but to succeed.” In this regard, he said that a counter-terrorism force has been established, equipped with modern weapons and equipment, and was being trained for special intelligence operations and investigation.

The prime minister, along with Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, witnessed a demonstration by the newly-trained commandoes of the special combat unit, comprising 200 commandoes, which also has 18 women who have undergone a two-month long rigorous training.

Addressing on the occasion, PM Sharif said he was thrilled to see the level of professional training. He said the unit in Balochistan was now ready for action, like a similar unit trained in Punjab, and was part of government’s efforts to ensure peace and security across the country on modern scientific grounds.

“I have no doubt to say that a nation who has such officers and jawans need not be afraid of any terrorists. No force can stop such a country from its march forward,” the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan was currently facing serious challenge of terrorism and it has to be countered with patience, tolerance, courage and a high state of vigilance.

“The war against terrorism is a war of our entire nation against terrorists. This war initiated across the country will continue till its logical end,” the prime minister kept on reiterating.

He said safety and security of the people of Pakistan was of paramount importance for the government and it was due to this reason that the Special Counter Terrorism Department has been re-created that comprising highly qualified young men and women.

Sharif said while the country’s armed forces were combating the terrorists in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb while national institutions along with provincial and federal governments were working on the National Action Plan (NAP) to rid the country of the menace of terrorism.

He termed the cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders exemplary and expressed the hope that there would be peace soon across Pakistan.

Addressing the young cadets who successfully passed their training, the premier advised them to perform their professional duties with discipline, responsibility and impartiality so that their presence brings a sense of security among the masses.

“No miscreant should escape from you, as it is the objective of your training and you have to make proud your trainers, organisation and the nation.”

The prime minister said when nations agree on a united stance, nobody can defeat them. He said the passing out parade of the batch of counter-terrorism force was reflective of the same national consensus and policy.

On the occasion, he also appreciated COAS Gen Sharif whose special interest made possible the completion of training programme in a short time. He also lauded the contribution of Balochistan CM Abdul Malik and Balochistan inspector general police in this regard.