In the wake of a devastating bombing that claimed the lives of over 50 people in Mastung just two days ago, Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, has delivered a resolute message: “Enough is enough.” He declared an “all-out war” against terrorists, signaling a strong and unwavering stance against those responsible for the tragedy.
The suicide bombing, which occurred during a procession commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on 12 Rabiul Awwal, sent shockwaves throughout the region. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of lives, including a police officer, religious leaders, and children, with the death toll reaching 59.
Despite the passage of two days, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, leading to suspicions that the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, may have been involved. The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) distanced itself from the attack, and the Counter-Terrorism Department has registered a case against unidentified individuals.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir had previously stated that terrorists and their facilitators behind the attacks were “proxies of the enemies of Pakistan and its people.”
During a press conference in Quetta, Minister Achakzai was questioned about the possibility of a large-scale operation in response to the recent terrorist attacks in the province. While he refrained from confirming such an operation, he assured journalists that the state would staunchly defend every inch of its territory and conduct intelligence-based operations when necessary.
Achakzai pointed out that terrorist incidents have become a daily occurrence in the country, with a discernible pattern. He questioned why these attacks were primarily happening in Pakistan and not in neighboring countries, suggesting the presence of a systematic destabilization effort. In response, he declared, “Enough is enough. Now there will be no appeasement or concession… we declare all-out war on these terrorists.”
He further emphasized that Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism had strengthened by a significant margin after the Mastung tragedy. The state is prepared to take any necessary measures, including operations across every inch of its territory. Achakzai asserted, “If there are links [to terrorism] in Pakistan with our neighboring country, and it seems [that way] because we have clear evidence of Indian state terrorism in Balochistan in the recent past… If these links are found there [in Balochistan] today as well, then we will make sure that our enemies are cut by thousands.”
The information minister also reassured the families of the martyrs, stating that they would not be left disappointed. He outlined a financial package for the victims, with each martyr’s family receiving Rs1.5 million, Rs0.5 million allocated for the critically injured, and Rs0.2 million for those with minor injuries, all provided by the provincial government. Achakzai disclosed ongoing discussions with the central government to enhance the relief package.
In light of the incident, security protocols are being reevaluated, and any vulnerabilities will be addressed to prevent future security lapses. An Apex Committee meeting in Islamabad on October 3 and a provincial apex committee meeting on October 10 will play pivotal roles in shaping the strategy and actions taken against militancy and foreign elements.
Minister Achakzai’s declaration of an all-out war against terrorism aligns with similar calls from civil and military leadership in the region, reflecting a united front against the menace of terrorism.
