Says no justification for US sanctions imposed on Pakistani firms; Reiterates country’s nuclear capability is only defensive; Govt stands firmly with security forces in battle against terrorism; All should set aside likes, dislikes for sake of national interests
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that there would be no compromise on the Pakistan’s nuclear programme and that there was no justification for the US sanctions imposed on Pakistan due to its missile programme.
Addressing the cabinet meeting here, the prime minister stated that Pakistan’s nuclear program is strictly for defensive purposes and will not be used for aggression.
His remarks come as President Joe Biden’s administration, last week, announced imposing additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities that it said were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons.
Emphasising that the country will persist in taking robust steps to safeguard its security, the prime minister expressed strong disapproval of the sanctions imposed on the National Defense Complex and other Pakistani firms, asserting that there is no legitimate reason for such actions.
He further added that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had given a strong response to the matter, but one thing is clear: “This program is not mine, nor any political party’s; it belongs to the 240 million people of this country, and it is dear to them. There will be no compromise on this program, and the entire nation is united on this issue.”
Talking about the terrorists, PM said, “A few days ago, 17 of our brave personnel were martyred in an attack by the Khawarij. Prayers should be offered for them.” Following his request, the participants of the meeting prayed for their souls.
He further mentioned that eight of the attackers were also killed, and the army chief had personally visited Wana to encourage the forces. “Until terrorism is completely eradicated, the full benefits of our efforts for development and prosperity cannot reach the nation. We are utilising all resources in collaboration with the provinces to eliminate terrorism. We will not rest until the terrorist threat is fully crushed,” he added.
He noted that the situation regarding terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa differs slightly, expressing deep sorrow over sectarian killings in which both sides had suffered losses. “Both groups are armed in Kurram, but I do not wish to go into the details. The unfortunate part is that, at the time of this bloodshed, Islamabad was being attacked. Had the KPK government focused on it, the damage would have been less.”
Shehbaz Sharif expressed the hope that the talks initiated between the ruling coalition and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would bring about positive outcomes to promote peace and economic stability in the country.
The prime minister said that on the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s initiative, the first round of talks with PTI was held on Monday with the second one scheduled on January 2, 2025.
He said the process would meet success only if both parties set aside their likes and dislikes for the sake of national interests.
“I do not doubt anyone’s intentions. I hope both PTI and the government party will bring about the outcomes for the country’s benefits and promote the economic stability” the prime minister said and mentioned the reduced policy rate to 13%, inflation below 5%, constant surge in exports and remittances.
Referring to his meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr Yunus, and the presidents of Indonesia and Turkiye on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, he said Pakistan-Bangladesh ties were entering a new era as the latter had abolished erstwhile 100% scanning of Pakistan’s export products and special desk at airports for screening Pakistani passport holders.
He said Pakistan was also reciprocating with positive indicators and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to visit Dhaka in February.
He said that in coordination with the provincial governments, all-out resources were being utilised to purge the country of terrorism and reiterated the resolve not to sit idle until the objective was achieved.
Regarding the sectarian clashes in KPK, the prime minister criticised the provincial government for utilising the resources to march on Islamabad, instead of addressing the issue.
