ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the prevalence of terrorism in the country is a complicated matter and everyone has to play a role in ending this menace.
“A strong economy can not be imagined in an unstable state involved in terrorism,” he said while addressing a meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) Apex Committee on Saturday.
The premier chaired the meeting held for crucial decisions, including those concerning the security of Chinese workers in Pakistan.
The forum was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers of the four provinces, and all inspector generals of police.
As the country reels from recurring incidents of terrorism, including attacks on Chinese nationals on Pakistani soil, the prime minister said that every institution, ministry, provincial government or agency needed to play an active role in dealing with this challenge.
The prevalence of terrorism was a complicated matter, PM Shehbaz said while calling for the implementation of state governance in order to deal with the challenge.
He said that “stability and the rule of law are necessary” for the sustainable development of the country. “The war against terrorism is the prime obligation of all state institutions. It is our joint responsibility to implement the state’s governance with full force.”
The prime minister said that he expected the provinces would fully play their part in this regard and end the menace of terrorism in the country.
He went on to say that our political and religious leadership must be completely clear in order to fight against terrorism.
He said that “it is Pakistan’s own war” and the country should take this responsibility.
“Provincial governments cannot be absolved from their duties by putting the onus on armed forces to end terrorism. Laying responsibility on a single institution would be a blatant mistake.”
He further stated that a “soft state cannot gain the trust of investors” whether internal or external.
PM Shehbaz stressed the need for active diplomacy with regional countries, which would tighten the noose around terrorist elements.
He also called for strengthening the law enforcement agencies by legislation. “We need harmony among all the elements of power.”
The premier also pledged all the required assistance or funds to the armed forces in the war against terrorism. “The Centre bears the expenses of the military’s war against terrorism. We will not leave any stone unturned in fulfilling the army’s requirements.”
Moreover, he lamented the social media disinformation in the country, vowing to make laws to address the issue.
“Enemies of Pakistan have poisoned the social space,” PM Shehbaz said while pledging to ensure that the disinformation and falsehood don’t conceal the truth.
He said such laws would be made that end the narratives of hatred and division.
