QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said on Tuesday terrorist elements were in their `final phase` and that the state was confronting them with full force and determination, reiterating that protecting the lives and property of citizens remained the government`s top priority.

According to a spokesperson for the CM`s House, the chief minister made these remarks during a visit to Karachi, wherehe went to the residence of the late Ali Murtaza, a trader who lost his life in a tragic incident in the Dasht area. He offered condolences to the bereaved family, prayedforthe departedsouland expressed solidarity with them.

Speaking to the media, Mr Bugti said the government was taking all possible steps to fulfil its responsibility of safeguarding citizens and would not tolerate negligence in this regard.

He said misrepresenting tragic incidents in Balochistan contrary to the facts not only misled the public but also created a negativeperception ofthe province.

`The enemy is easier to confront when visible, but operations in grey zones are far more challenging,` he said, adding that the state had the capacity to deal with all forms of threats.

Referring to the Dasht incident, the chief minister said false narratives were being circulated on social media and stressed the need to discourage misinformation and promote factual reporting.

He said thousands of people travelled safely on Balochistan`s highways every day and that anisolated incident should not be used to portray the overallsecurity situation in the province.

Mr Bugti assured the family of the deceasedtraderthatthe provincial government would stand by them and announced that it would bear full responsibility for the upbringing and education of Ali Murtaza`s daughters.

He said the government would continue extending all possible support to the bereaved family and intensify efforts to ensure peace, protect citizens and eliminate terrorism from the province.