General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta Friday.
He was given a detailed briefing on overall security and the law and order situation of Balochistan. Both civil and military officials including the chief secretary, IGFC of Balochistan and DG ISI were present for the brief. The forum was apprised that the law and order situation in Balochistan has improved and the crime rate declined significantly due to successful, across the board, and targeted FC and police operations against terrorists, criminals and those involved in sectarian violence.
General Raheel commended FC and other law enforcement agencies for bringing noticeable improvement in law and order situation of the province. He assured all support to the provincial government and people of Balochistan in their quest for durable peace, development and prosperity.
COAS said that potential of Balochistan as a regional hub for energy and trade will only be realised with a collective civil – military approach for its security and development.
The COAS also welcomed those who have decided to give up violence and are laying down their arms and said it is very encouraging that insurgents were gradually coming back into the national mainstream. All support will be rendered to rehabilitate them so that they could lead a peaceful and productive life, he added.
The COAS particularly appreciated FWO for their untiring efforts in the construction of a roads network across the length and breadth of Balochistan and directed them to ensure quality of construction and timely completion of these development projects.