PM Reaffirms Resolve to Eliminate Terrorism
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to root out terrorism, warning that cross-border violence and its facilitators will be crushed through decisive action.
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister paid tribute to the army officers and soldiers who embraced martyrdom during recent operations against Fitna al-Khawarij in Orakzai. He noted that Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat led their troops with extraordinary courage, eliminating 19 terrorists before sacrificing their lives.
Shehbaz vowed that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces would never be forgotten. “The martyrs drew a line with their blood, one that cannot be crossed,” he said. The prime minister added that both the government and the armed forces remain determined to eliminate every trace of terrorism and its cross-border backers.
National Unity Key to Defeating Terrorism
Shehbaz cautioned that Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic progress would lose meaning if terrorism persists. Therefore, he stressed the urgent need for a united front to safeguard national security.
He urged all political and regional leaders to rise above their differences and work together against forces seeking to destabilise the country. According to the prime minister, national security and public safety must remain above all political interests.
Defence Minister Warns Against Cross-Border Terrorism
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a strong warning in the National Assembly, declaring that the state would pursue terrorists and their facilitators “wherever they are,” even across the Afghan border. He affirmed that Pakistan would take full responsibility for its actions.
Asif emphasised that terrorism is a shared threat requiring collective action. He called on all political factions and provinces to unite against this menace.
Recalling earlier discussions with Afghan authorities, Asif said Pakistan had urged Kabul to dismantle militant sanctuaries being used against it. However, he noted that Afghan officials failed to provide concrete assurances. Consequently, he proposed sending a high-level delegation to Kabul within days to demand action against groups operating near the border.
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