QUETTA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif on Thursday attended the passing-out parade of the first batch of the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) in Quetta.
Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Commander of Southern Command Lt General Nasir Khan Janjua were also among the attendees of the ceremony.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif distributed awards and certificated to the best trainees of the batch. “I am honoured to attend the passing-out parade of the anti-terrorism force,” the premier said.
He advised the passing out personnel of the ATF to perform their duties diligently and said, “Your presence should provide a sense of security to the citizens. No miscreant should escape your hands.”
According to sources, the personnel of the force were given a one-month long training by personnel of the Pakistan Army.
The passing-out corporals also carried out mock exercises displaying their capabilities against militants.
The graduating force also comprised 18 lady constables — a number of whom exhibited their proficiency in combating with militants and carrying out offensives.
The female cohort demonstrated that they are able to contribute shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the country’s fight against militancy.
A number of corporals also put up a show of their martial arts skills by aiming at specified targets.
The passing-out force demonstrated commando action which is often implemented in extricating a compound under siege by militants.
Sharpshooters of the force also displayed their skills in successfully rescuing a large number of hostages held by militants.
The prime minister and army chief observed with interest the brawn and dexterity exhibited by ATF personnel in their mock exercises.
“We will take our offence against terrorism, which has been launched fully-fledged across the country, to its logical conclusion,” the prime minister said in his speech.
“All national institutions, provincial and federal governments are committed under the National Action Plan (NAP) to eliminating the menace of terrorism from our country.”
PM Nawaz also thanked Gen Raheel and Lt Gen Janjua for ‘taking personal interest in the training of the ATF personnel’.
CM Balochistan presented PM Nawaz with a souvenir while Inspector General (IG) Balochistan police presented a souvenir to Gen Raheel.
Internally displaced Bugtis to be re-settled: PM Nawaz
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that internally displaced Bugti tribesmen would be re-settled in their area.
The premier visited Bugti House Quetta after attending the passing-out parade of the ATF in Quetta and expressed condolences to Nawabzada Talal Bugti over the demise of his mother.
Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and federal and provincial ministers also accompanied the premier.
“We will rehabilitate the displaced Bugti tribesmen,” the prime minister told reporters after offering fateha. He assured to remove the prevailing sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan. “We want an end to lawlessness,” he said.
The premier stated that all out efforts were being made to ensure durable peace in the province.
He assured that the grievances of people of Balochistan would be addressed and that they would be brought into the mainstream so that they could play an important role for the development and prosperity of the country.
Nawabzada Talal Akbar Bugti on the occasion thanked PM Nawaz and assured cooperation in terms of improvement of the law and order situation in the province.
