Lahore: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar issuing stern warning against terrorism in Balochistan said that separatists are receiving funding from India’s RAW.

Speaking to media here, Kakar acknowledged right to protest within constitutional framework but firmly stated that terrorism would not be tolerated.

He condemned recent clashes in Islamabad where protesters, allegedly linked to separatist groups, engaged in stone-pelting, leading baton charges and water cannons by police.

“We accept right to protest, but we will not tolerate terrorism from relatives of missing persons,” affirmed interim PM.

He went on to say, “Armed organisations are plotting to break Pakistan and I will openly address this issue when I leave office,” added caretaker premier.

Rejecting notion of granting “License to kill” to critics, Kakar asserted that government would not spare those supporting terrorists under guise of protest.

“Fight against terrorism is not for me but for state. Talking boldly does not solve problems; action does,” he stated, emphasising seriousness of terrorism issue.

Responding to concerns about upcoming elections on February 8, Kakar reassured public of their readiness, affirming his commitment to casting his vote.

The prime minister said there were militant organisations, such as the Baloch Liberation Army, the Baloch Liberation Front and the Baloch Republican Army, which believed in an armed struggle against the Pakistani state.

He said the organisations had “killed 3,000-5,000 people”. Kakar said the militants associated with these outfits also had relatives of their own, who protested in their favour.

Kakar said “98 per cent” of the Baloch community stood with the country. The premier reiterated he had no quarrel with Baloch families but with “fake and lying sympathisers”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 02 2024

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