Maryam assures Bugti of full support against terror
Punjab CM announces Rs10b aid for Balochistan
QUETTA: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced Rs10 billion in assistance for Balochistan during her one-day official visit to Quetta, vowing “every possible” support for the province and urging national unity and inter-provincial coordination to defeat terrorism.
The Punjab chief minister’s visit comes amid heightened security in Balochistan after terrorists launched a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan on January 31. The provincial government imposed Section 144 across Balochistan for one month, citing heightened security concerns and the overall law-and-order situation.
During a meeting with Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti, Maryam said she was pleased that her first visit to Balochistan as chief minister was to Quetta. She praised the people of Balochistan for their spirit and what she described as their deep attachment to Pakistan.
Maryam said Punjab would provide “every possible” support to Balochistan in addressing its challenges. “We are with Balochistan,” she said, adding that terrorism could only be eliminated through national unity.
She said the government wanted to see peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan.
On the occasion, Bugti welcomed Maryam to the province and praised Punjab’s announcement of Rs10 billion in support for security forces as a “positive and commendable step”.
Bugti said the government and opposition in Balochistan were united on public welfare, and that national unity was essential in the fight against terrorism.
According to a statement issued by the Balochistan government, Bugti received Maryam at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
“The two leaders discussed peace, public welfare and development in Balochistan, and signalled a joint commitment by the government and opposition to work together on the province’s priorities,” the statement said.
It added that both chief ministers agreed that ending terrorism was only possible through national unity and mutual cooperation.
Earlier, upon reaching Quetta, Maryam was received at the airport by Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, CM Bugti, members of the provincial cabinet and senior officials.
After the reception, Maryam attended a ceremony at the FC Headquarters. She later proceeded to the Governor House with the delegation, where she met Governor Mandokhail.
Maryam was accompanied by senior Punjab ministers, including Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari, as well as the Punjab chief secretary.
The Punjab chief minister is also scheduled to meet families affected by the recent terrorist attacks during the visit and express solidarity with them. Staff Report
