Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday there was no space for criminal elements in Balochistan and assured the House that no negotiations of any kind would be held with them.

The issue of incidents in Balochistan and the law and order situation was discussed during a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Taking the floor, Asif said that settlements in Balochistan were widely scattered, and that more Baloch people lived in Punjab and other provinces than in Balochistan itself.

He said a false narrative had been created claiming that those killed were on the list of missing persons, while many of those declared missing were sitting in Gulf countries and shaping this narrative.

The defence minister said that the rifles recovered were worth Rs2 million each and that such elements would be responded to with full force. He said a clear message must go out that the nation stood with its brave armed forces and security agencies. He added that no criminal group would be allowed to raise its head again. He said the House must send a united message, setting aside differences, and stand behind Parliament.

He warned that it should not happen that coffins were carried while no political figure even attended the funeral prayers. On terrorism, he said the nation must remain united, adding that his long time in Parliament had strengthened his political standing and that this institution had given stature to its members.

Asif said political differences must be set aside and unity achieved on a one-point agenda. He said the brave armed forces continued to stand guard for the country without seeking any recommendation, serving in remote areas. He criticised the lack of seriousness in the House, saying that such indifference reflected the conduct of its members and left little ground to expect responsibility from the public.

He said that a transit trade mafia also existed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for inquiries. He said criminal mafias became so powerful that they sought assistance from the BLA. He added that Iranian petrol had been sold openly at petrol pumps in Quetta.

He maintained 177 terrorists had been killed in Balochistan and that passengers were being taken off buses and killed. He warned that unless Parliament played its role, it would become completely irrelevant.

Asif calls for political committee

Moreover, Asif has advised the formation of a political committee in Balochistan and the holding of its meetings within the province to isolate terrorist elements.

Also Read: Asif calls for political committee in Balochistan to isolate terrorist elements

He said that political leaders from Balochistan should sit together under such a committee to address the situation. He stressed the need for greater vigilance in the matter.

Asif has emphasised that Balochistan’s serious grievances and concerns must be heard. He added that both the federal government and the provincial administration need to take political measures to deal with the issue.