ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said Wednesday that terrorism in Balochistan would not be allowed to derail development in the province, according to a statement from the Presidency.
Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti at Aiwan-i-Sadr. Bugti briefed him on security conditions and development measures in the province.
The president said attempts by what he described as foreign-backed terrorists would be foiled “at all costs.” He also expressed confidence that terrorism would eventually be eliminated from Balochistan.
Zardari called for close coordination between the federal and provincial governments. He said cooperation was necessary for peace, development and public welfare.
The president also said Balochistan needed special attention and resources because it is Pakistan’s largest province by area.
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The meeting came amid continued attacks on infrastructure in the province. Unidentified attackers recently damaged a main gas pipeline in Kacchi district, disrupting supplies to several areas.
Security data also showed a sharp increase in violence during July. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies said deaths in Balochistan rose from 109 in June to 372 in July, an increase of 241%.
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Faryal Talpur, president of the Pakistan Peoples Party women’s wing, and former provincial minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri also attended the meeting.
Official presidential material from August has separately reaffirmed Zardari’s support for security operations against militant groups in Balochistan.
