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ISLAMABAD: The United States strongly condemns the Jan. 31 attacks and acts of terrorist violence against security personnel and civilians in Balochistan, claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization -- according to a post on X shared by the US embassy in Islamabad on Sunday. &ldquo;On behalf of the United States, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims of terrorism, their families, and all those affected,&rdquo; US Charge d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker said in the post shared by the embassy on X.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2017806415675396139&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=2cb4db0916aee510872ef08fb588a1cae4e23768&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&ldquo;The Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear.&rdquo; &nbsp; &ldquo;The United States remains a steadfast partner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-pm-lauds-security-forces-for-foiling-attacks-killing-terrorists" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;in its efforts to ensure peace and stability. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time,&rdquo; she said. 133 Indian-backed terrorists killed&nbsp;Pakistani security forces have killed 133&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-reaffirms-resolve-after-security-forces-kill-108-indianbacked-terrorists" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Indian-backed terrorists</a>&nbsp;in operations across southwestern Balochistan over the past two days, officials said Saturday, successfully thwarting attacks targeting civilians, urban centers, and key infrastructure.

Foreign Affairs

Security

Pakistani security forces have killed 133 Indian-backed terrorists in operations across southwestern Balochistan over the past two days, officials said Saturday, successfully thwarting attacks targeting civilians, urban centers, and key infrastructure.

US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker condemns terrorist attacks in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed 133 Indian-backed terrorists in operations across southwestern Balochistan over the past two days, officials said Saturday, successfully thwarting attacks targeting civilians, urban centers and key infrastructure.&nbsp;Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking at a joint press briefing in Quetta late Saturday, confirmed that security forces repelled coordinated assaults across Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni.&nbsp;&ldquo;The way the terrorists planned and carried out these attacks, and the way our police, our FCs, and our army confronted them, is itself a story,&rdquo; Naqvi said. &ldquo;The terrorists who came did not escape alive.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;They [security forces] searched for them and killed them so they could not get away.&rdquo;&nbsp;Naqvi stressed that these were not ordinary terrorists.&nbsp;&ldquo;It should be clearly seen that at this time the main country behind terrorism is India, which is not only providing financial support to terrorists, but is also supporting them in their planning and their strategy,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We will go after each and every one involved, including their masters operating from outside Pakistan, and we will expose them to the world.&rdquo;&nbsp;According to the Pakistan military&rsquo;s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Jan. 31, terrorists of Indian-sponsored &ldquo;Fitna al Hindustan&rdquo; attempted multiple attacks across the province.&nbsp;Eighteen innocent civilians, including women, children, the elderly, and laborers, were killed in Gwadar and Kharan.&nbsp;Security forces responded swiftly, engaging terrorists in prolonged and intense operations, and killed 92 terrorists, including three suicide bombers, ensuring the protection of local residents.&nbsp;Earlier on Jan. 30, 41 terrorists of &ldquo;Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khwarij&rdquo; were killed in Panjgur and Harnai, bringing the total number of terrorists neutralized in the last two days to 133.&nbsp;Pakistan refers to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an umbrella network of various armed groups, as &ldquo;khawarij,&rdquo; a term rooted in early Islamic history and used to describe an extremist sect that rebelled against legitimate authority and declared other Muslims to be apostates.&nbsp;Defense Minister Khawaja Asif reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s firm stance against militancy. &ldquo;This is not a so-called &lsquo;struggle for rights.&rsquo; It is terrorism operating with external patronage, targeting both Pakistan and the people of Balochistan themselves,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Asif added that these groups are funded through organized crime, drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling and recruit young people via social media.&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for foiling coordinated attacks and neutralizing 133 terrorists.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our brave forces have neutralized leading terrorists backed by India in intelligence-based operations over the past 48 hours,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The prime minister also paid tribute to the 15 security personnel who embraced martyrdom, calling their sacrifice &ldquo;an inspiration to the entire country.&rdquo;&nbsp;Security sources confirmed that militants targeted 18 civilians, while law enforcement successfully eliminated all Indian-backed operatives.&nbsp;&ldquo;Sanitization operations are ongoing, and instigators, facilitators, and abettors will be brought to justice,&rdquo; the ISPR statement added. Intelligence reports confirm that the attacks were orchestrated and directed by terrorist ring leaders operating from outside Pakistan.&nbsp;President Asif Ali Zardari echoed the praise, reaffirming the state&rsquo;s commitment to safeguarding citizens and national unity. &ldquo;Our resolve remains firm regarding peace in Balochistan,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The British High Commission in Islamabad condemned the attacks, stating: &ldquo;Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and all those affected. We stand with Pakistan in rejecting terrorism and in our shared commitment to peace and security.&rdquo;&nbsp;Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attacks, reaffirming support for Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity and security efforts while offering condolences to the victims&rsquo; families.&nbsp;T&uuml;rkiye, in a statement on its official X account, condemned the &ldquo;heinous&rdquo; attack and reiterated its support for Pakistan. &ldquo;We will continue to stand by brotherly Pakistan in its fight against all forms of terrorism,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;Qatar also condemned the attacks, expressing condolences to the victims&rsquo; families, the government, and the people of Pakistan. The statement reaffirmed Qatar&rsquo;s rejection of violence, terrorism, and criminal acts in all forms and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.&nbsp;Officials emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s counterterrorism campaign, under the national vision &ldquo;Azm-e-Istehkam,&rdquo; will continue at full pace until foreign-sponsored terrorism is completely eliminated from the country.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says 'India behind coordinated attacks' across Balochistan, as Pakistani forces kill terrorists, successfully defending civilians, infrastructure and urban centers while praising security forces’ bravery.

Pakistan security forces kill 133 ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ in Balochistan operations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the officers and personnel of the security forces for decisively foiling the nefarious attempt by Fitna-e-Hindustan to target peace in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/three-indianbacked-militants-killed-in-southwest-balochistan-province-pakistan-army" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Balochistan&nbsp;</a>and for crushing the enemy&rsquo;s designs, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (Media Wing) on Saturday. The prime minister praised the professional capabilities of the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-security-forces-kill-41-terrorists-in-operations-ispr" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">security forces</a> for thwarting coordinated attacks by Fitna-e-Hindustan at 12 locations in Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, Pasni, and Gwadar, and for killing 37 terrorists. He paid tribute to the defenders of the homeland for killing 88 terrorists, backed by India, during various operations over the past 48 hours. The prime minister paid homage to the 10 dutiful security force personnel who embraced martyrdom while giving precedence to the protection of the beloved homeland over their own lives during the operations. &#39;Proud of our martyrs&#39;He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience for their families. &ldquo;I, along with the entire nation, am proud of our martyrs,&rdquo; the prime minister said. He added that officers and soldiers of the security forces are engaged in the defense of the homeland without regard for their own lives and that the war against the scourge of terrorism will continue until its complete eradication from the country. The prime minister said that in the unwavering resolve to protect the homeland, he, along with the entire nation, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Armed Forces. British High CommissionIn a statement shared on its official X, the British High Commission condemned the &quot;terrorist attacks&quot; across Balochistan, while reaffirming its &quot;stand with Pakistan&quot; in rejecting terrorism and commiting to peace and security. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2017562686574244306&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=5d02ff4e203078eb6133e613baf03680881d1437&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2017562686574244306">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>

The prime minister praises the professional capabilities of the security forces for thwarting coordinated attacks by Fitna-e-Hindustan at 12 locations in Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, Pasni, and Gwadar, and for killing 37 terrorists.

Pakistan PM lauds security forces for foiling attacks, killing terrorists

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said on Friday that 41 terrorists were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan on Jan. 29. &ldquo;On 29 January 2026, forty-one terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan, were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan,&rdquo; the ISPR said. An intelligence-based operation was conducted on the outskirts of Harnai District in response to the reported presence of terrorists.&nbsp; During the conduct of the operation, troops effectively engaged the hideout, and after an intense fire exchange, 30 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed.&nbsp; A large cache of ammunition and explosives was also recovered and destroyed on the spot. Another operation was conducted in Panjgur district, in which a terrorist hideout was destroyed, and 11 Indian-sponsored terrorists were neutralized.&nbsp; Looted money recovered&nbsp;Besides weapons and ammunition, looted money from a bank robbery in Panjgur on December 15, 2025, was also recovered from the killed terrorists.&nbsp; The terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities in the past, the statement said. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area, the ISPR statement said.&nbsp; &lsquo;Azm e Istehkam&rsquo;&ldquo;Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision &ldquo;Azm e Istehkam&rdquo; (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,&rdquo; the ISPR statement concluded. Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan are terms used by Pakistan for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants, whom it accuses of operating from Afghan soil, backed by India.

Says 41 terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan, were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan.

Pakistan security forces kill 41 terrorists in operations in Balochistan: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated the government&rsquo;s resolve to eliminate terrorism, praising the role and sacrifices of the country&rsquo;s security forces during a one-day visit to Quetta, the capital of the southwestern province of Balochistan.&nbsp;Addressing political leaders in a live briefing aired on state television, Sharif said the fight against militancy was ongoing and required national unity. The visit included high-level meetings on governance and development in the province, according to Radio Pakistan.&nbsp;Upon his arrival at the Governor House, the prime minister was presented a guard of honor by a contingent of the Balochistan Police, a Governor House press release said.&nbsp;The meeting was attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers, Dr Ahsan Iqbal, Aleem Khan and Rana Sanaullah, as well as senior political figures from the province.&nbsp;During his address, Sharif praised Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for leading counter-terrorism operations. He said it was &ldquo;unfortunate&rdquo; that Balochistan continued to suffer from militant violence, adding that the contribution of the armed forces could not be overstated.&nbsp;&ldquo;Like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan has faced immense difficulties due to terrorism,&rdquo; Sharif said, referring to another northwestern province that has experienced years of militant attacks.&nbsp;&ldquo;Be it the soldiers and officers of the army, Rangers personnel, officials of the Levies, or the common people, their sacrifices will be remembered in history,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Sharif said banned militant groups, which the state refers to as Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term Islamabad uses for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, were receiving support from &ldquo;neighboring countries.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;But we are firm in our resolve to eradicate terrorism,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Referring to recent tensions with India in May last year, the prime minister said Field Marshal Munir had led Pakistan&rsquo;s response, adding that New Delhi had been &ldquo;taught a lesson it will never forget.&rdquo;&nbsp;The prime minister also said the provincial government, working closely with the federal authorities, was taking &ldquo;serious, coordinated, and result-oriented measures&rdquo; to address Balochistan&rsquo;s long-standing underdevelopment and integrate it into Pakistan&rsquo;s economic mainstream, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.

Economy

In Quetta, PM Shehbaz Sharif underscores Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, honours security forces’ sacrifices, and stresses unity and development for Balochistan.

PM Sharif visits Quetta, praises forces, reaffirms Pakistan’s anti-terror resolve

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of the Defence Forces&nbsp;Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has warned India that its proxies in Balochistan will face &ldquo;stern action&rdquo; for sabotaging peace and development. &ldquo;Indian-sponsored proxies continue to propagate violence and disrupt development in Balochistan,&rdquo; the ISPR quoted the field marshal as saying in a press statement here on Wednesday. &ldquo;Such inimical designs will be thwarted through stern action by security forces to rid the province of terrorism and unrest,&rdquo; the field marshal said while addressing participants of the 18th National Workshop on Balochistan at General Headquarters (GHQ). The workshop focused on exploring Balochistan&rsquo;s socio-economic development and its strategic importance for Pakistan. The ISPR statement said Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir spoke at length about Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to ensure regional peace and stability. Munir is credited with leading the defense forces and repelling an Indian attack on Pakistan on May 7. International media have not only analyzed the spectacular defense mounted by Pakistan&rsquo;s forces but have also highlighted Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir&rsquo;s growing role in regional and international affairs. Coverage has highlighted his engagements with global leaders, including meetings with US President Donald Trump, as well as his influence on regional and global security dynamics. According to the ISPR, Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir reaffirmed the security forces&rsquo; commitment to rooting out terrorism and protecting Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity. &ldquo;Any violation of Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect, will be met with a firm and decisive response. The Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to protecting the lives and well-being of their citizens,&rdquo; the ISPR statement quoted Munir as saying. During his address, the field marshal praised the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan and highlighted the province&rsquo;s pivotal importance to Pakistan&rsquo;s prosperity and development. He lauded the wide-ranging initiatives being undertaken by the federal and provincial governments, underscoring a people-centric approach aimed at improving socio-economic conditions and unlocking Balochistan&rsquo;s vast economic potential for the benefit of its people. Munir acknowledged the constructive role of civil society, particularly in debunking propaganda, and highlighted its crucial contribution to driving sustainable development. He stressed the importance of rejecting vested political agendas to ensure that Balochistan&rsquo;s future is shaped by long-term prosperity for all its residents. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which Field Marshal Munir responded to queries and spoke about ongoing efforts to develop Balochistan and ensure its security.

Says Indian-sponsored proxies engage in violence and disrupt development in Balochistan; vows decisive action against direct or indirect threats to Pakistan.

Field Marshal Munir warns India against sabotaging peace

ISLAMABAD: The United States has announced a new commitment of $1.25 billion in financing through the US Export-Import Bank to support the development of the Rico Deep critical minerals project in Balochistan, a move officials say will boost investment, create jobs and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.&nbsp;In a video message, US Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker said the financing would be transformative for both American businesses and local communities in Pakistan. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m pleased to highlight the US Export-Import Bank recently approved financing of $1.25 billion to support the mining of critical minerals at Rico Deep in Pakistan,&rdquo; she said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1998654886850773219&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=f59b6a1ede08621f7e3bf5ff2e3ac6c33ac82f89&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> She noted that the EXIM&rsquo;s project financing will bring in up to $2 billion in high-quality US mining equipment and services needed to build and operate the Rico Deep mine, along with creating an estimated 6,000 jobs in the US and 7,500 jobs in Balochistan, Pakistan.&nbsp;Baker said the project represents a new model of cooperation between Washington and Islamabad. &ldquo;The Rico Deep project serves as a model for mining projects that will benefit US exporters as well as local Pakistani communities and partners by bringing employment and prosperity to both our nations,&rdquo; she added.&nbsp;She noted that the initiative aligns with the Trump administration&rsquo;s approach to economic diplomacy. &ldquo;The Trump administration has made the forging of deals exactly like this one central to American diplomacy. We look forward to seeing further agreements between US companies and their Pakistani counterparts in the critical minerals and mining sector,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;The US official said the financing will help unlock long-term opportunities in Balochistan&rsquo;s mineral sector, support infrastructure development, and deepen commercial engagement between the two countries.

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker says the financing package would act as a “game-changer” by supporting American companies looking to invest in Pakistan while creating jobs and improving livelihoods in local communities.

US commits $1.25bn in EXIM Bank financing to boost growth in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, while highlighting the issue of &ldquo;Indian-sponsored proxies&quot; propagating &quot;anti-people and anti-development agendas&quot; in Balochistan, assured to rid the province of the &quot;menace&quot;. He said, &ldquo;Indian-sponsored proxies, Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, propagate anti-people and anti-development agendas with malicious intent to perpetrate violence,&rdquo; adding, &ldquo;All necessary actions are being taken to pursue these terrorists and rid the province of this menace.&rdquo; Field Marshal Munir said this in a meeting with the participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday, according to a statement issued&nbsp;by Pakistan military&#39;s media wing,&nbsp;the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).&nbsp; &#39;True wealth of Pakistan&#39;He reaffirmed the province&rsquo;s importance to Pakistan&rsquo;s unity and development.&nbsp;During the interaction, the Army Chief lauded the people of Balochistan, calling them the &ldquo;true wealth of Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Balochistan is the pride of Pakistan, endowed with highly vibrant, resilient, and patriotic people who are its true wealth,&rdquo; the COAS said.&nbsp;Field Marshal Munir highlighted the federal and provincial governments&rsquo; development initiatives aimed at improving the province&rsquo;s socio-economic landscape through a people-centric approach. Balochistan&#39;s &#39;immense potential&#39;&nbsp;&ldquo;The immense economic potential of Balochistan must be realized for the benefit of its people,&rdquo; he emphasized.&nbsp;Acknowledging the importance of youth and civil society, the COAS urged them to play a constructive and unifying role in the province&rsquo;s progress.&nbsp;&ldquo;The constructive role of civil society, particularly in engaging and empowering youth, is pivotal to sustainable development,&rdquo; he noted, stressing the need to &ldquo;negate vested political agendas in the interest of long-term prosperity.&rdquo;&nbsp;Commenting on security challenges, the COAS denounced Indian-sponsored proxies and militant factions attempting to destabilize the province. Commitment to regional peace&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to regional peace and stability, Field Marshal Munir warned that any violation of Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity would be met with a decisive response.&nbsp;&ldquo;While Pakistan seeks regional peace and stability, any violation of its territorial integrity, direct or indirect, will be met with a firm and decisive response to safeguard the lives and well-being of our citizens,&rdquo; the COAS affirmed. On Saturday, the army chief had cautioned India that there was &ldquo;no space for war in a nuclearized environment&rdquo; as he hailed Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;clear victory&rdquo; during the May conflict with the neighboring country.

Field Marshal Asim Munir condemned elements involved in spreading “anti-people and anti-development propaganda,” stressing that such activities hinder peace and progress in the province.

Balochistan being rid of 'Indian-sponsored proxies': army chief

ISLAMABAD: The air at Lok Virsa Cultural and Heritage Museum this week is alive with the rhythms of Balochistan, the beat of folk drums, the swirl of embroidered turbans, and the aroma of sajji roasting over open flames.&nbsp;Visitors stepping into the Balochistan Grand Tourism Festival find themselves immersed in a vivid celebration of the province&rsquo;s culture, hospitality, and promise, according to a statement issued by the Press Information Department (PID) on Saturday.&nbsp;Organized by the Balochistan Department of Culture and Tourism, the three-day festival transforms the museum grounds into a vibrant slice of Pakistan&rsquo;s largest yet often misunderstood province.&nbsp;Models of major landmarks, &nbsp;from Gwadar Port to Hingol National Park, stand proudly beside displays of gemstones and minerals, highlighting the region&rsquo;s vast natural wealth and potential for tourism.&nbsp;Stalls adorned with bold Balochi embroidery showcase handmade jewelry, pottery, and traditional dresses, while the rhythmic sound of dambura strings draws visitors toward live folk performances. Women in brightly colored pashk dresses and men in flowing shalwar kameez perform the traditional chaap dance, their hands clapping in unison to the beat.&nbsp;The scent of spiced lamb and freshly baked kaak fills the air as visitors sample traditional dishes, each bite offering a taste of Balochistan&rsquo;s diverse culinary heritage. Families, students, and tourists stroll through the festival grounds, pausing to take photographs beside replicas of Quetta&rsquo;s Ziarat Residency and the rugged peaks of the Makran coast.&nbsp;Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pakistan Commerce Minister &nbsp;Jam Kamal Khan said it was time to show the &ldquo;real and vibrant Balochistan&rdquo; to the world, one defined not by challenges but by patriotism, traditions, and immense potential.&nbsp;&ldquo;When you invest in your own people, the world will come to you,&rdquo; the PID quoted the minister as saying, emphasizing that promoting Balochistan&rsquo;s beauty, heritage, and hospitality through tourism and investment can help foster national unity and reshape perceptions.&nbsp;Nawabzada Mir Muhammad Zarain Khan Magsi, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Tourism for Balochistan, said the festival aims to project the &ldquo;true image&rdquo; of Balochistan through its folk music, crafts, cuisine, and cultural performances.&nbsp;He added that such initiatives promote tourism while strengthening cultural diplomacy and interprovincial harmony.&nbsp;As twilight descends over Lok Virsa, the stage lights flicker on and the soulful strains of the suroz fill the night, a reminder that Balochistan&rsquo;s true story is one of resilience, beauty, and boundless spirit.

Culture

Colorful Balochi dresses, rhythmic folk dances, soulful dambura tunes, and the aroma of traditional sajji filled Lok Virsa, as artisans, musicians, and chefs showcased Balochistan’s rich heritage, crafts, cuisine, and hospitality at the tourism festival.

Balochistan’s colors shine bright at Lok Virsa festival in Islamabad

Mariam Ellahi

ISLAMABAD: The Green Balochistan Initiative, the province&rsquo;s key socio-economic development project, is nearing completion of its first phase and has entered its second phase, the project&#39;s coordinator said on Monday. Shehzad Jaffer told Pakistan TV Digital that the initiative, launched in 2022-23, targets the needs of local communities in areas such as water, roads, agriculture, and irrigation. District administrations, the Pakistan Army, and local Baloch citizens identified and prioritized issues, which were turned into detailed projects in 2023. Implementation began in 2024. &ldquo;Phase I is almost complete,&rdquo; Jaffer said. About 80% of the work is done, and the project is expected to be finished by June 2026. Phase I details and impact Phase I includes 74 projects worth Rs21.2 billion, focusing on agriculture, roads, water supply, and small dams. The roads component features 22 farm-to-market links that will connect remote settlements to Balochistan&rsquo;s highway network. The water component includes 33 schemes, ranging from filtration plants to piped water supply, across several districts. Small dams have also been built in areas like Kalat and Awaran to improve irrigation. Jaffer described the reconstruction of a 50-60 km section of the Washuk road, which turned a previously impassable route into a paved carriageway. Talking about its importance, especially in case of emergencies, he stated how &ldquo;it can save lives when patients need to reach medical care.&rdquo; The project coordinator also mentioned a village that had lacked proper water supply for nearly 40 years. &ldquo;We [installed] a solar-powered well, underground storage, and a filtration plant at the village&#39;s doorstep. People no longer [have to] walk long distances for unsafe water.&rdquo; Similarly, in Awaran, a cluster of 54 reverse osmosis plants is being installed to provide clean drinking water to remote areas. Green Balochistan Initiative: Focus on agriculture The Green Balochistan Initiative (GBI), which includes 13 agriculture projects, is central to the program. It aims to improve farm productivity and resilience. One major element is the development of the Kachhi Canal&rsquo;s command area, which is expected to irrigate around 100,000 acres when fully developed. The initiative also includes 333 solar-powered tubewells, submersible wells, drip irrigation systems, and plantations. &ldquo;GBI will create jobs in remote areas and improve Balochistan&rsquo;s agriculture,&rdquo; Jaffer said. Phase II launches with new projects The government has approved the second phase of the project, which includes 46 new projects worth Rs15.6 billion. This phase features 20 road projects, 18 water supply schemes, and eight irrigation schemes. Work on the second phase has already begun, the project coordinator confirmed. Monitoring and transparency measures To track progress, the government has set up an online dashboard, updated every two weeks. The dashboard is accessible to all stakeholders. &ldquo;If progress is not updated on time, an alert is sent to the responsible officer,&rdquo; Jaffer said. Monitoring teams also conduct field checks to ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards. Jaffer stated that the initiative is community-driven. &ldquo;The people encouraged us to start and expand into the second phase. They see the impact on their daily lives already.&rdquo;

The Green Balochistan Initiative is nearing completion of its first phase and has entered its second phase.

Balochistan’s socio-economic development initiative enters its second phase, with 74 projects focused on agriculture, roads, water supply, and irrigation, with the aim of improving rural conditions in Pakistan's largest province. 

Articles tagged with "Balochistan"