President Zardari vows to win “war against terrorism” during Quetta visit

Quetta, March 19,2025 – President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to win the “war against terrorism at all costs” during a one-day visit to Quetta on Wednesday. The visit comes amid a surge in terrorist activities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the region.

Recent incidents include the unprecedented hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, which resulted in at least 31 casualties, and a suicide blast in Noshki District that claimed five lives. In KP, multiple attacks on police personnel and a counterterrorism operation in Khyber district, which left three terrorists dead, have further underscored the escalating threat.

According to a statement from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), President Zardari arrived in Quetta to review the law and order situation in Balochistan. He attended a briefing on the province’s security challenges, where he reaffirmed the government’s resolve to combat terrorism.

“Terrorists will be defeated at all costs. They are trying to divide the nation, but the situation is clear: the state has to survive, and the war against terrorism has to be won,” President Zardari was quoted as saying.

The president pledged to equip counter-terrorism forces with modern weaponry and expressed his commitment to fostering development and lasting peace in Balochistan. “Balochistan is close to my heart,” he said, adding, “I want to see every child of Balochistan in school. Enlightening children with modern technology is the need of the hour.”

The meeting was attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and provincial ministers.

President Zardari’s visit follows a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, which stressed the urgent implementation of counterterrorism frameworks, including the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam. Army Chief General Asim Munir highlighted governance gaps as a key factor behind the rise in terrorism and called for transforming Pakistan into a “hard state” to effectively tackle the menace.

The committee also emphasized the need for national unity and political resolve to combat terrorism, urging a consensus-driven approach to address the threat.

Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments during his visit to Quetta following the Jaffar Express attack, calling for national unity and dialogue to counter terrorism.

As Pakistan grapples with a resurgence of terrorist activities, President Zardari’s visit underscores the government’s determination to address security challenges and restore stability in the region.