Pakistan's defence lies in a strong Baluchistan: Kayani

Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today said there was no military operation going on in the troubled Baluchistan province.
"There is not a single Army personnel involved in any operation in Baluchistan," Kayani said.
He said Pakistan's strong defence lies in a strong and prosperous Baluchistan.
"It is not just coincidence that I'm celebrating the National Defence Day in the Sui town, but it is a matter of importance and honour which the Army keeps for Baluchistan," Kayani said while addressing a passing out parade at the Military College in Sui in the province.
The province has been wrecked by violence, bombings and target killings in recent times with separatists and militants operating with impudence in the province.

Since last year, hundreds of people have been killed in separatist and sectarian violence and terrorist attacks.

General Kayani also said that the army is fully committed to extend all possible assistance to the provincial government to eradicate poverty and control lawlessness.
He recalled that as part of army's steps for engaging youth of the province, a large number of Baluch youngsters have been recruited in the armed forces.
"The ratio of recruitment from Baluchistan in Army has been 1.7 in 2007," he said, adding that it has been enhanced to 3.5 with the recruitment of some 12,000 soldiers and officials in Army since 2010.