Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that peace and stability in Balochistan is a priority for the entire country, stressing that Pakistan stands united with the province against all threats.
Addressing a ceremony at the Frontier Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Balochistan, the chief minister said it was an honour to visit the front line force and pay tribute to personnel serving under difficult conditions.
She saluted officers and soldiers fighting on the front lines and said Balochistan was not alone. “We all stand shoulder to shoulder with Balochistan,” she added.
Maryam Nawaz praised the sacrifices of security personnel, calling the martyrs the nation’s real asset. She said performing security duties in extreme weather and difficult terrain reflected the forces’ commitment and patriotism.
She also paid tribute to the mothers of martyrs and said the nation was proud of its fallen heroes. The chief minister welcomed the increasing participation of women in security forces, saying Pakistani women were second to none in service and duty.
She said a united nation could defeat any enemy. “If we remain strong together, even the worst enemy cannot harm us,” she remarked, adding that hostile elements were trying to weaken Pakistan through conspiracies.
According to the chief minister, anyone attempting to weaken the country was the nation’s biggest enemy. She said Pakistan was facing a “fifth-generation war” and must counter negative narratives with clarity and strength.
Maryam Nawaz credited the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, with taking firm action against enemies. She said adversaries were trying to create divisions within Pakistani society through propaganda.
Highlighting the size and strategic importance of Balochistan, she stressed the need to enhance the operational capacity of the FC in the province. She cited Punjab’s experience, saying crime rates dropped after improving the capacity of law enforcement agencies.
The chief minister said surveillance systems, including widespread CCTV monitoring, were being used in Punjab to improve law and order. She claimed the province had curbed riots, arson and attacks on police through firm action.
Maryam Nawaz said those targeting places of worship deserved no leniency. Referring to a recent attack on a place of worship in Islamabad, she said terrorists were trying to divide the nation.
She announced strict action against militants and vowed to eliminate terrorism through decisive and unambiguous measures.
Criticizing past policies, the chief minister said militants had previously been allowed to settle in the country. She alleged that miscreants had tortured police and Rangers personnel in Punjab and accused certain groups of pushing youth toward violence instead of education.
“Anyone who takes up arms against the state is our enemy,” she said.