QUETTA, Jul 9 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan, saying security operations would continue until the last terrorist is wiped out from the country’s soil.
Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta, the prime minister said the political and military leadership were united in their resolve to defeat terrorism.
“I announce on behalf of myself, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Balochistan government that we will not step back. We will use all available resources to eliminate terrorism and make Pakistan a country of peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Ahad Khan Cheema, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and senior officials of law enforcement agencies.
The prime minister said the country had witnessed several terrorist incidents over the past four days in which soldiers, police personnel and civilians embraced martyrdom. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and said the entire nation stood with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the security forces and innocent civilians, he said 54 terrorists had been killed by security forces during recent operations launched after the attacks.
“We will work day and night and will not stop until terrorism is completely eradicated,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour was supporting terrorist groups through funding and weapons, while militants operating from Afghanistan were carrying out attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He also hinted at the involvement of other external elements but said he would not comment further at this stage.
The prime minister said hostile forces were trying to destabilise Pakistan because they could not accept Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and recent successes on the international stage. He added that the enemies also wanted to block Pakistan’s journey towards economic stability, but their plans would fail.
He concluded by offering prayers for the martyrs and expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying for strength and patience for them.
