Doors open to brothers ‘misled by enemy’: Gen Bajwa

Baloch separatists, disgruntled leaders must get back to negotiating table; terrorists, facilitators will meet their nemesis

QUETTA: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Monday Pakistan’s doors were open for “those brothers who had been misguided by the enemy”.

Gen Bajwa was on a daylong visit to Quetta where he addressed the officers of the Southern Command.

He shared thoughts with the officers on the security environment and challenges. 

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Bajwa’s address was focused on professional matters under the evolving security environment. 

Addressing the passing-out parade of Baloch recruits, he said the people of Balochistan had rejected the anti-state elements.

He said Pakistan’s armed forces were playing their due role for the development of Balochistan. 

“The growth of Balochistan is the foremost priority of us all,” he said, adding that the Baloch people will take an active part in the progress of the country in the coming years.

Calling on the Baloch separatists and disgruntled leaders to get back to the negotiating table, Gen Bajwa said: “We are in war with the enemies of Pakistan alone and our doors are open for those who have been led astray by the enemies.” 

Highlighting the importance he attaches to Balochistan, the army chief said it was his third visit to the province since he took over the command.

“I take pride in that I belong to the Baloch Regiment. I am proud to be called a Baloch.” 

The days are not far when the enemy will meet its ultimate fate, while terrorists and their facilitators will also be brought to book, he said. 

General Bajwa said development of Balochistan was the top-most priority of the government. 

He said Balochistan was the largest province of the country bestowed with immense resource and capable human resource. 

“These resources would open new vistas of development for the progress and prosperity of the province in future,” he added. 

He said improvement in the Balochistan's law and order was also the top-most priority of the government and the Pakistan Army, together with other institutions, was extending cooperation for the purpose. 

He said it was an endeavour of the armed forces and other law-enforcement institutions to play a positive role in the economic development of the province despite limited resources. 

Making a strong pitch for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its importance for Balochistan, Gen Bajwa said timely completion of the project will herald a new era of progress in the region.

He expressed the hope that completion of CPEC project would prove to be the beginning of a new era in the development of Balochistan. 

Gen Bajwa said some elements were trying to hinder the way of a bright future of the province. “These are anti-state elements and the people of Balochistan have rejected them.”

He expressed the confidence that terrorists would meet their nemesis because of patriotism of the Baloch people.