Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on Tuesday on a one-day official visit amid the current political and security situation in Balochistan.

Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, along with provincial ministers, received the Punjab chief minister at Quetta Airport. After the reception, she proceeded to the Governor House, where a one-on-one meeting with Governor Mandokhail was scheduled.

Read: Trains, mobile internet shut across Balochistan for fifth day after attacks

A key item on the visit’s agenda includes meeting the families of those martyred and injured in recent terrorist attacks and expressing solidarity with them. A meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti is also expected.

Further, consultations on the current political situation of Balochistan will also take place at the Governor House with cabinet members. Punjab ministers Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari, along with Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, are accompanying Chief Minister Maryam.

The visit is seen as important for improving relations between Punjab and Balochistan and for addressing shared challenges.

Read More: Security forces conclude operations after terrorist attacks in Balochistan

The Punjab chief minister’s visit comes amid heightened security in Balochistan after terrorists launched a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan on January 31. The provincial government imposed Section 144 across Balochistan for one month, citing heightened security concerns and the overall law-and-order situation. The decision took immediate effect and will remain in force from February 1 until the end of February.

Just last week, Pakistan’s security forces successfully concluded “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan, carrying out a series of coordinated and intelligence-driven operations against what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.