Home Minister vows strong action against terrorism, emphasizes youth empowerment and development in Balochistan
Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau has declared that terrorist attempts to spread fear in historic cities like Kalat during Independence Day celebrations have failed in the face of the state’s resolve. Speaking in a detailed podcast interview, he said that the national flag is dearer than life itself, and no force can prevent Pakistanis from raising it high.
The minister recounted his participation in the August 14 celebrations in Kalat, where he hoisted the national flag despite terrorist efforts to disrupt the occasion. He revealed that while returning from Kalat, his convoy was ambushed in a mountainous area. Terrorists opened fire from orchards and detonated explosives, injuring police personnel in two vehicles. Security forces responded swiftly, forcing the attackers to flee, and the wounded officers were shifted to hospitals for treatment.
Zia Langau stressed that terrorists hide in mountains and orchards to target civilians and security forces, yet claim to fight for rights. He rejected such narratives, stating that terrorism is not a freedom struggle but a campaign driven by external funding and manipulation of youth. He accused foreign elements of financing militant groups, turning terrorism into a “business” that harms Pakistan and destroys the future of Balochistan’s youth.
He emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to provide citizens with a safe environment, improve healthcare, and ensure basic facilities. He noted that terrorists have disrupted daily life in several areas, extorting farmers, traders, and transporters. The minister said that while intelligence-based operations have minimized civilian casualties, the time has come for more decisive measures to free communities from militant threats.
Zia Langau outlined the government’s broader vision: creating employment opportunities, merit-based recruitment, and scholarship programs to empower youth. He highlighted that Balochistan’s resources, minerals, Gwadar port, and trade routes are vital for national progress, but terrorists aim to block development and keep the province backward. He asserted that investment, resource utilization, and job creation will transform lives, making terrorism unsustainable.
The minister reiterated that political and constitutional dialogue is the path to resolving grievances between Balochistan and the federal government. He expressed readiness to engage with political leaders, activists, and communities advocating rights and justice, but criticized militant commanders who rely on violence and target civilians. He distinguished between political disagreements and terrorism, urging that disputes be addressed through parliamentary and democratic forums.
Zia Langau also commented on various political figures, including Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, noting that while differences in policies exist, they must remain within political boundaries. He stressed that Pakistan must be the first priority for all leaders.
He further highlighted the historic, cultural, and tribal ties with Afghanistan, but insisted that Pakistan’s sovereignty must remain paramount. He pointed out that terrorism has deeply affected ordinary citizens, especially women, children, farmers, and workers, and that damaging public facilities cannot be justified as a struggle for rights.
Concluding, the minister reaffirmed that the government stands with the people of Balochistan. He said the province’s future lies not in guns but in education, development, political process, dialogue, and public mandate. He declared that the greatest weapon in the fight against terrorism is the trust and support of the people, and vowed that the government will continue its efforts to restore peace, create jobs, and expand educational opportunities across Balochistan.