Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a Rs10 billion allocation for the Frontier Corps (FC) to strengthen the force’s capacity-building and bolster security in Balochistan.
Addressing FC headquarters during her visit to Balochistan on Tuesday, she paid tribute to those serving in Balochistan under difficult and dangerous circumstances.
In her speech, which was aired on Wednesday, Maryam shared that she found out a few months ago that the FC required Rs10 billion for “capacity building”.
“I was asked to contribute whatever Punjab could,” she stated. “I decided it was not a favour … it was a responsibility. I said we will provide them the entire Rs10bn.”
The chief minister highlighted that the allocation aimed to enhance operational readiness and strengthen security efforts in Balochistan, particularly in light of recent threats and attacks.
CM Maryam’s visit came in the wake of a spate of attacks across Balochistan on January 31, which brought parts of the restive province to a standstill for several days. Security forces had responded by killing a total of 216 terrorists during “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1” in the province.
During her speech, Maryam expressed deep concern for the safety of security personnel and acknowledged the sacrifices being made daily to defend the country.
“I worry about your safety because you are fighting for me, for the nation, and for this country … and you are sacrificing your lives,” she told the FC gathering.
“Despite the challenges you are facing here, fighting for your people, I salute your bravery from the depths of my heart,” she said.
“On behalf of Nawaz Sharif, who has special love for Balochistan, and on behalf of the people of Punjab, I not only thank you but salute you. Balochistan is not alone — Punjab stands with Balochistan at every moment.”
‘Whoever weakens Pakistan is worst enemy, whether external or internal’
The Punjab CM also issued a stern warning against forces attempting to destabilise the country.
“Whoever weakens Pakistan is not a friend but the worst enemy …whether external or internal,” she declared.
Highlighting the evolving nature of threats, she stressed that the country was facing not only conventional terrorism but also “fifth-generation warfare” and psychological operations aimed at attacking the nation’s unity and mindset.
“It’s not just physical warfare that we are facing. We are facing fifth-generation warfare, which is psychological warfare. They have come with great preparation and attacked our minds,” Maryam said.
Calling for political honesty and clarity, she emphasised the importance of acknowledging past realities in the fight against terrorism.
Recalling the Islamabad incident, the Punjab CM stated that even places of worship were not spared.
“Until some of our leaders keep calling terrorists ‘our brothers’ — [which happened] from 2018 to 2022 — […] I am not saying anything political, but this is a decision that the nation must make,” she added.
“The day the Islamabad attack happened, I immediately posted on my Twitter account that we ought to make a tough decision as a nation, which is that we must call black if it is black, and white if it is white; there is no grey area in our minds,” Maryam said.
She stressed that such elements must be dealt with firmly and without ambiguity.
“If such people remain in Pakistan under the cloak of political parties and leaders, our soldiers will continue to be martyred,” she contended.
She added, “Our country would remain in conflict […] if it would be said ‘terrorists are our brothers; not only open the doors for them but also open their offices here’. […] There must be clarity.”
