Prompted by the growing militancy and terrorism across the country, the government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has finally given the green signal to Pakistan Army to launch fresh offensives against terrorists across the country.
During the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and chief ministers, an “all-out comprehensive operation” was agreed upon to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Pak Army assures Pakistan’s Parliament to root out Terrorism & Militancy
The meeting, which initially lasted for two hours and later resumed and concluded in the evening at the Prime Minister’s House, discussed national security matters. The NSC acts as the principal decision-making body on such issues in the country. The decision to launch an all-out comprehensive operation against terrorism reflects the government’s determination to tackle the menace of terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the nation.
The details of the operation, including its scope, timeline, and strategies, were not immediately disclosed. However, the decision underscores the commitment of the government to address the issue of terrorism and bring about stability and peace in the country. The involvement of key civil and military officials in the NSC meeting demonstrates a coordinated approach toward addressing the security challenges faced by the nation.
The National Security Committee (NSC) convened on Friday in continuation of a previous meeting held after the terrorist attack at Peshawar Police Lines in January, which resulted in the martyrdom of over 80 people, including policemen. The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to rid Pakistan of the menace of terrorism with renewed vigor and determination.
According to a press note issued from the office of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, an all-out comprehensive operation involving the entire nation and government will be launched to eliminate terrorism in all its forms from Pakistan. This operation will encompass measures at political, diplomatic, security, economic, and social levels. A high-level committee has been formed to submit recommendations on the implementation and parameters of the operation within two weeks.
The participants of the meeting emphasized the need for comprehensive national security with a focus on relief for the people. The government is taking necessary steps in this regard, as informed during the meeting.
The NSC identified a “soft corner” for the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and a “thoughtless policy” towards the terror outfit as the reasons behind the recent spate of terrorism in the country. These actions were deemed contrary to the public’s expectations and have resulted in terrorists returning to the country unimpeded and dangerous TTP militants being released from jails in the name of confidence building. The NSC noted that this has led to the destruction of peace and stability in the country, which was achieved through countless sacrifices and continuous efforts.
The press release highlighted that the assistance provided by various militant organizations operating in Afghanistan in large numbers has also contributed to the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan. The NSC expressed determination to defeat the nefarious designs of the country’s enemies and resolved to make all possible efforts to maintain the peace and order achieved by the sacrifices of the martyrs.
The NSC acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of the security forces in providing lasting peace to the nation and reiterated its commitment to continue its activities until terrorism is eradicated from Pakistan.
The press release concluded by stating that the government and the nation are united in their resolve to eliminate terrorism and restore peace and stability in Pakistan.
Shireen Mazari, a leader of the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) political party, believes that the NSC (National Security Council) meeting will be crucial in determining the future course of action regarding the country’s security. She expressed concerns about the possibility of the state turning against the nation due to the fear of elections by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and the Rule of Law. It is not clear what specific issues or events the NSC meeting is expected to address, but Shireen Mazari’s comments suggest that it may have implications for the political landscape and security situation in Pakistan.