KEY POINTS
- PM Sharif reaffirms Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.
- PM praises armed forces and intelligence agencies for successful anti-terror operations.
- Shehbaz Sharif says joint efforts against smuggling have boosted the economy.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the South Asian country has adopted a multi-pronged, comprehensive strategy that combines military operations, legislation and public engagement in its war against terrorism.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on counter-terrorism, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is fully committed to eradicating threats posed by Indian-backed terrorist groups and extremist groups. He called for the strict implementation of coordinated efforts between federal and provincial authorities.
“Pakistan has effectively employed crucial components such as ground operations, relevant legislation, meaningful public engagement, and discouragement of extremist ideologies,” PM Sharif noted.
The Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan is actively working on a comprehensive, effective, and practical strategy to eliminate hostile elements like Indian-backed terrorism and extremist groups such as Khawarij, along with other anti-social actors.
Chairing a Review Meeting of the Steering Committee on Counter-Terrorism and Establishing State Authority “Harden the State,” PM Sharif said, “The State of Pakistan is fully committed to eradicating the scourge of terrorism, and the world acknowledges our successful operations against terrorist elements.”
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, PM’s Advisor on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Chief Secretaries and Inspectors General of all provinces, and other relevant government officials.
Pakistan’s fight against terrorism
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister directed the strict implementation of the committee’s recommendations and effective coordination between federal and provincial governments in counter-terrorism efforts.
Prime Minister Sharif said, “The role of our brave armed forces in this fight against terrorism is commendable and praiseworthy.”
He further added, “The entire nation, including myself, is proud of the personnel and officers who laid down their lives for the motherland, and of their families whose spirit of sacrifice is a source of national pride.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Pakistani nation, its brave armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services stand united in the fight against terrorism.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s armed forces have resolutely confronted terrorist elements during Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and Operation Zarb-e-Azb, and the world has recognised Pakistan’s recent historic victory against terrorism.
Action against smuggling
PM Sharif praised the provincial governments, the Intelligence Bureau, the Ministry of Interior, Counter-Terrorism Departments, especially Punjab’s CTD, for taking effective and proactive steps in the ongoing war against terror.
The Prime Minister also noted that joint operations by relevant institutions have led to effective action against smuggling, contributing significantly to its prevention.
“The prevention of smuggling has had a positive impact on the national economy,” PM Sharif added.
The Prime Minister asserted that a terrorism-free, peaceful, and strong state structure is essential to restoring international investors’ confidence.
He further said that, to revive investor trust, the government has implemented revolutionary reforms, including the digitisation of the system and improvements in the tax framework.
“The record rise in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and improvement in global ratings indicate economic stability and will further restore foreign investor confidence,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the repatriation programme for Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan is being implemented effectively in accordance with international laws.
