PM due in PM due in Quetta today to inquire after injured soldiersQuetta today to inquire after injured soldiers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to pay a daylong visit to Quetta today, Monday, to inquire after the security personnel who were injured during an anti-terror operation in Kalat a few days ago.

During the visit, he will also meet the provincial leadership besides getting a briefing on the law and order situation, according to a PM Office press release.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar and Power Minister Awais Leghari will accompany the prime minister.

Last week, eighteen soldiers were martyred during operations against terrorists in general area Mangocher in Balochistan.

“Eleven militants were killed in an operation in Harnai district on Friday, while twelve others died in the initial clash overnight in Kalat district,” said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

It said terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks in a Kalat area on the night between Jan 31 and Feb 1.

“At behest of inimical and hostile forces, this cowardly act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians,” it said.

Security forces and law-enforcement agencies were immediately mobilised, who successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and killed 12 terrorists, ensuring security and protection of the local populace.

“However, during the conduct of operations, eighteen brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” read the official statement.