Maryam assures Bugti of Punjab's full support, announces Rs10bn for security forces in Balochistan

Quetta (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs10 billion for security forces operating in Balochistan, underlining Punjab’s commitment to peace and stability in the province.

The announcement was made during her visit to Quetta, where she attended a ceremony at the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters. CM Maryam Nawaz’s visit follows coordinated attacks on January 31 across 12 towns in Balochistan, including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni, which targeted civilians.

In response, security forces launched Operation Raddul Fitna 1, eliminating 216 India-sponsored terrorists during multiple coordinated operations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported. Unfortunately, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, along with 22 security and law enforcement personnel, lost their lives in these operations.

During her visit, CM Maryam Nawaz met Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where she praised the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan. “The spirit of the people of Balochistan and their attachment to Pakistan is commendable,” she said. “We stand with Balochistan. The elimination of terrorism is possible through national unity, and we want to see peace, stability, and prosperity in Balochistan.”

Earlier, CM Maryam also met Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail at the Governor House to discuss the overall law and order situation, recent political developments, and matters of mutual interest. Governor Mandokhail emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-provincial harmony and ties between the federal government and provinces.

The Punjab chief minister assured full cooperation in the future, and both leaders agreed on promoting people-to-people connections and enhancing provincial relations. Governor Mandokhail presented CM Maryam Nawaz with a commemorative shield and a traditional carpet as a goodwill gesture.