Meeting told economy in trouble but not defaulting; Country’s interests, integrity to be secured at all costs; PM chairs NSC meeting
The National Security Committee meeting on Friday decided to turn up the heat on the militancy with relentless counter and preemptory measures to neutralise the threats posed to the country in any form and further the meeting was informed that Pakistan’s economy was in trouble but the country was not going to default.
This was the crux of the briefing given to the National Security Committee, which met here with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair to discuss rising terrorism, fragile economy and the relationship with Afghanistan.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the NSC’s participants expressed an unequivocal opinion that Pakistan’s national interests will not be compromised and no one will be allowed to harm the national security.
The National Security Committee said that “terrorists are the enemies of Pakistan” as it vowed to respond “with full force” to those who challenge the country.
During the meeting, the heads of intelligence institutions gave a detailed briefing to the participants on the law and order situation in the country, the recent wave of terrorism, and steps taken to tackle it.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also briefed officials on economic challenges and the government’s strategies to counter them, the PMO statement said.
“Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar briefed the meeting on the situation in Afghanistan ship with Afghanistan.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the NSC’s participants expressed an unequivocal opinion that Pakistan’s national interests will not be compromised and no one will be allowed to harm the national security.
The National Security Committee said that “terrorists are the enemies of Pakistan” as it vowed to respond “with full force” to those who challenge the country.
During the meeting, the heads of intelligence institutions gave a detailed briefing to the participants on the law and order situation in the country, the recent wave of terrorism, and steps taken to tackle it.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also briefed officials on economic challenges and the government’s strategies to counter them, the PMO statement said.
“Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar briefed the meeting on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s relationship with the interim government in Kabul.”
It said, “The basic interests of Pakistan’s survival, security, and development will be protected with great courage, consistency, and steadfastness.”
The participants paid tributes to the sacrifices of the martyrs against terrorism, expressed sympathy and condolence to their families, and collectively prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.
“The meeting expressed determination that terrorists are enemies of Pakistan. The entire nation is united on one narrative against terrorism and terrorists. Those who challenge Pakistan will get a full-force response,” the statement asserted.
It was unusual that the NSC discussed the current state of the economy. The civil-military leadership was given a briefing on the economy since there were concerns that Pakistan might default. The country’s foreign reserves have come down to $5.8 billion this week, raising concerns of a potential default.
“We are in trouble but not defaulting,” said a participant of the meeting of NSC. The participant confirmed that the NSC was given briefing on terrorism, economy and Afghanistan.
This was the first meeting of the NSC since the change of army command and came at a time when Pakistan is facing multiple challenges including dwindling foreign reserves and the resurgence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The government and state institutions resolved that Pakistan’s fundamental interests for existence, security and progress will be well-protected with bravery and lasting strategy. “Unequivocal opinion was expressed to defend the country’s national interests and not allow anyone to undermine the key concept of national security.”
