ISLAMABAD: An extraordinary meeting of Pakistan’s top civilian and military brass is underway in Islamabad to review the security and economic situation and thrash out a counter-terrorism strategy in the wake of an uptick in terror incidents across the country.
The National Security Council (NSC) meeting, the highest decision-making forum on national security and foreign policy, is being chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. All three services chiefs, including Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, are attending the meeting.
Meeting of top brass
The NSC meeting is taking place when the country faces a new wave of terrorism and bomb blasts with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan posing a direct threat to national security and peace.
Sources said that the recent wave of terrorism and the possible fallout from the continuous rupee depreciation would feature the huddle.
Sources said that the army, with its readiness to act against terrorist groups, is seeking political backing and ownership for the upcoming counter-terrorism operations that are on the table.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led coalition government, which has so far shied away from tough decisions against terrorists, is facing a quandary to launch a large-scale operation amidst economic turmoil and ahead of next year’s general election.
The sources said that it was expected that the military’s advice would prevail in light of the urgency of the country’s situation.
Over the past few weeks, Pakistan’s law and order situation has worsened, with terrorist groups such as the banned TTP, the outlawed Islamic State group and Gul Bahadur Group launching attacks with near impunity across the country.
Insurgents in restive Balochistan have also stepped up their violent activities to carry out attacks on security forces.
The sources said that the civilian and military top brass would come up with a definite plan of action to go after terror groups across the country.
