Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has said that those who keep soft corner for terrorists at home or aboard besides supporting of the acts of terrorism in different parts of the country are also terrorists and the government will deal with them with an iron hand. While addressing a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Monday, he said that foreign hands were involved in acts of terrorisms in Balochistan and the government has undeniable proof of it. Mohsin Naqvi further stated that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was involved in terrorist activities in the country and the terrorist outfit operates from Afghanistan, adding that the government has provided evidence to the Afghanistan government regarding Afghan land being used for subversive activities in Pakistan. “TTP men released by the previous government are also undertaking terrorist acts in the country,” he said.

The Interior Minister hinted at involvement of different foreign hands and some characters in creating instability in Balochistan, adding the government will expose all those elements who wish to destabilize Pakistan. He said those who attacked are terrorists, adding that the government is out to destroy terrorists. On the acts of terrorism in Balochistan, he said the federal government supports the viewpoint of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, adding that the government will eliminate terrorists. Responding to a question, he said the decision to launch the ‘Azam e Istehkam’ operation in Balochistan was a tricky matter, adding that the political leadership will reach some decision in a few days. However, the Interior Minister assured that a tit-for-tat response will be given to terrorists besides seeking a political solution. To yet another question, Mohsin Naqvi said that he had nothing to do with the 2024 general election and its results, adding that had only assisted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the successful conduct of the election.

He further said that he did not respond to the allegations by the political figures in order to avoid any controversy. He said, “Terrorism is a menace and we are dealing with it”, adding that the masters of a certain political party may have a desire to create instability in the country. Regarding intelligence agencies, he said the recent incidents were a result of long-term planning, not a failure of the intelligence institutions, adding that terrorism was a menace and the government was ready to take them down. On the martyred policemen in Southern Punjab, the Interior Minister said that the federal government was in close liaison with both provincial governments and providing them possible assistance, adding that the Punjab government will hold a press conference soon and share the details.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan