Balochistan situation

External elements blamed for target killing

Quetta—Home Secretary Mr. Akbar Hussain Durrani says external elements are involved in target killings without any shadow of doubt. These elements want to destabilize the political situation creating chaos and confusion in Balochistan.

He told this scribe that the militants had changed their strategy. “They are targeting political leaders of moderate approach and the government is aware of their designs. Necessary steps have been taken to protect lives and restore normalcy.”

The Home Secretary pointed out that there were four categories of offences launched by the militants. These are target killings, sectarian killings, kidnappings for ransom and missing persons. He maintained that the elements who believed in discarding extremism have been cautioned of the activities of the militants and they would be provided all necessary security including issuing of arm licence.

He noted there was peace in Kohlu and Dera Bugti and the Pushtoon belt is peaceful. The incidents of assassination of Habib Jalib, Mulla Bakhsh Dashti and others are sad incidents. He observed that external forces across the border are actively engaged in target killings and kidnappings for ransom. He pointed out that provincial intelligence net work had been geared up and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority would monitor the talks of the militants including calls through satellite. It would provide necessary information to break the net work of the militants.

He said, moderate political leaders and workers would soon be able to play their role in the mainstream of national affairs.

Mr. Durrani said that the services of experts in investigation are being availed of to apprehend real culprits. He added that Government had taken all necessary measured to remove the trust deficit among the people with the help of judiciary to curb the activities of the criminals and accomplices.

He said there are cases of 52 missing persons till date and efforts are in progress to recover them.