Following a devastating bombing in Mastung, Balochistan, which claimed the lives of over 50 people, the caretaker Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, has declared an “all-out war” against terrorists, stating that “enough is enough”. The suicide bombing occurred during a procession celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the death toll stands at 59, including a police officer, religious leaders, and children.
Despite the incident, no militant group has claimed responsibility, leading to speculation by the government that the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, was involved. The banned TTP has distanced itself from the attack, and the Counter-Terrorism Department has registered a case against unidentified persons.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir previously stated that the terrorists and facilitators behind the attacks were acting as “proxies of the enemies of Pakistan and its people”.
During a press conference in Quetta, Achakzai was asked about the possibility of a grand operation against terrorism in the province. Although he couldn’t comment on that, he assured journalists that the state would defend its territory and undertake intelligence-based operations if necessary.
Achakzai pointed out that terrorist incidents were occurring daily in Pakistan, but questioned why these attacks were not happening in other regional countries. He stated that there must be a mastermind behind it who is systematically destabilizing Pakistan. He declared, “Enough is enough. Now there will be no appeasement or concession… we declare all-out war on these terrorists.”
The information minister emphasized that Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism has been strengthened tremendously after the Mastung attack. He also expressed that the state is prepared to go to any extent required, including conducting operations in every inch of the territory. Achakzai mentioned that if there are links to terrorism in Pakistan with neighboring countries, specifically referring to evidence of Indian state terrorism in Balochistan, the enemies will be dealt with severely.
Achakzai also assured the families of the martyrs that they would receive financial aid. The government will provide each martyr’s family with Rs1.5 million, distribute Rs0.5 million to the critically injured, and provide Rs0.2 million to the nominally injured. The Balochistan government is in talks with the Center to further improve the financial package.
In light of the incident, security protocols are being reviewed to ensure no security lapse occurs, with plans to plug any loopholes. Important meetings, including an Apex Committee meeting in Islamabad on October 3 and a provincial apex committee meeting on October 10, will discuss and recommend decisive actions against militancy and foreign elements.
These declarations of concerted efforts against terrorism from various leaders come as a response to the increasing threat and devastating impact of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The government aims to send a strong message that it will not tolerate the targeting of innocent lives and will take robust actions to eradicate terrorism from the region.