Peace in Balochistan is Pakistan’s foremost priority, says Maryam at FC headquarters in Quetta

Quetta (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that restoring peace and stability in Balochistan is not only a provincial concern but a foremost national priority, stressing that unity remains Pakistan's strongest defense against hostile forces.

Addressing a ceremony at the Frontier Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Balochistan, she maintained that no adversary can harm the country if the nation stands together.

The Punjab CM paid tribute to the sacrifices of FC personnel, acknowledging their dedication in safeguarding the country under harsh and challenging conditions.

She said the officers and soldiers serve with unwavering commitment, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain security.

Expressing pride in the martyrs, Maryam conveyed her respect and gratitude to their families, particularly their mothers, for their resilience and sacrifice.

Maryam Nawaz also welcomed the growing participation of women in the security forces, noting that Pakistani women are proving their capabilities in every field, including national defense. She emphasized that the country’s daughters are second to none and are contributing meaningfully to strengthening security institutions

Reaffirming her confidence in the country’s resolve, the Punjab CM stated that a united and determined nation can withstand even the most formidable enemy.

She said Pakistan faces attempts to destabilize it through various means, including propaganda and misinformation, and underscored the need to firmly counter such narratives.

The Punjab CM pledged that Pakistan would confront the challenges of fifth-generation warfare with determination and clarity.

She further praised the performance of the security forces under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying the country had successfully faced significant external threats and responded decisively. According to her, adversaries are attempting to create divisions within Pakistan through narrative warfare, but such efforts can be defeated through national cohesion and vigilance.

Highlighting the need to enhance security in Balochistan, Maryam Nawaz stressed that strengthening the operational capacity of the FC is essential for sustainable peace.

Drawing a comparison with Punjab, she said that improvements in law and order there were achieved by upgrading the capacity of law enforcement agencies and investing in modern surveillance systems.

She noted that extensive CCTV monitoring across streets and highways in Punjab has contributed to a noticeable reduction in crime.

The chief minister also took a firm stance against attacks on places of worship, declaring that those who target religious sites deserve no leniency.

Referring to a recent attack on a place of worship in Islamabad, she said the government had decided to take strict action against the perpetrators. She added that in the past, certain militants had been allowed to settle in the country, but going forward, the state would adopt a clear and uncompromising approach against such elements.

Maryam Nawaz announced a financial assistance package of Rs10 billion for the FC to further enhance security measures in Balochistan, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the province.