ISLAMABAD: The Hazara community in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan called off their protest in the small hours of Wednesday after meeting Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The army chief, along with Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, met representatives of the Hazara community at Quetta on Tuesday night.

Representatives shared concerns about targeted killings of the Hazara community.

“The chief of army staff said that while nothing can compensate the loss of dear ones, he assured the Hazara community brethren that those who have targeted them shall suffer twice as much,” the military media wing ISPR said in a statement.

Gen. Bajwa said the state is responsible for the security of its citizens and all state institutions are concerned about the incidents of targeted killings.

“Each and every casualty, including from the Hazara community, is of concern to us and our brave security forces are performing their best and willingly offering monumental sacrifices to bring lasting peace to the country,” Gen. Bajwa told the representatives of the Hazara community.

According to the ISPR, in 2018 alone, so far 37 Security Forces personnel have lost their lives in Quetta.

“Through a unified national effort we have turned the tide of terrorism. However, a lot is still being done against inimical designs to reverse the gains by exploiting various fault lines,” ISPR said.

“We have busted many terrorists’ networks and we know how these networks are being supported by hostile agencies,” it added.

The army chief said: “I expect the youth to stay focused on their positive endeavors toward self and nation building. Trust and assist the state in taking Pakistan forward to its rightful destination.”