ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed firm resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism to put the South Asian nation on the path of economic development.
Chairing a meeting of the Apex Committee on National Action Plan on Friday, he stated the centre, provinces, and defence institutions should collectively formulate a coordinated plan in this regard.
The prime minister said that the time has come to wipe out the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) outfit.
“The agenda of Pakistan’s progress and prosperity can only be realised when all of us not only improve law and order across Pakistan but also the time has come to completely wipe out the TTP,” he said.
Growing challenge of digital media
He pledged to address the increasing challenge posed by digital media, including misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, calling it inevitable for the elimination of terrorism and extremism in the country.
On the digital front, the venom against Pakistan is being spitted through social media from some elements abroad. This is also a big challenge, which is supported by distorted facts and twisted reality,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister stated that distorted facts and misrepresented realities on social media were raising certain questions and damaging the country’s image.
“If we don’t counter this challenge, all efforts [to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the country] will go to waste,” he said, expressing confidence that the government would overcome such challenges.
UNSC
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has assumed its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) saying the country will fully play its role in international diplomacy.
The prime minister also congratulated the foreign minister and his team for their efforts regarding the election of Pakistan as a non-permanent member of the UNSC with an overwhelming majority.
The prime minister emphasised the need for the federal government, provinces, and all relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the security forces in devising a comprehensive plan. He assured that, through unity of purpose and action, the government would fully implement these plans to address the country’s challenges.
The premier pointed out that the government was aware that some terrorist intruders were living in the country, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, to disturb the peace and which countries were supporting them.
Threats from hostile elements across border
He also highlighted the security challenges facing the nation, particularly the threats from hostile elements operating across the borders.
Referring to the weekend’s skirmishes with Afghan forces at the border, he said a “befitting response” was given.
The prime minister reaffirmed that national progress and prosperity depend on ensuring peace and stability in Pakistan’s four provinces, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the federal cabinet members, chief ministers of all provinces, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and other senior officials.
The National Action Plan, initially devised to combat terrorism and extremism, remains a crucial framework for the government to address these ongoing issues.
Previously, the Apex Committee of National Action Plan approved “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam” to eliminate terrorism and extremism across the country.
