PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the nation’s unflinching resolve in fighting terrorism till its complete elimination.
Addressing political leaders in Quetta, he said the nation will certainly knock down the scourge of terrorism as it successfully defeated India during “Marka-e-Haq” under the able leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Meanwhile, in an address to officers during his visit to Lahore garrison, the CDF emphasized the army’s zero-tolerance policy towards any threats to national security. He said the defence forces remained committed to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability while promoting discipline, excellence and selfless national service.
There can be no two opinions that Pakistan has been playing a lead role in tackling the menace of terrorism and its defence forces achieved remarkable successes in their counter-terrorism operations. However, India and Afghanistan are creating obstacles in taking this fight to its logical conclusion as they collude in recruiting, training, funding and equipping terrorists. Their primary target is Pakistan but repeated attacks on Chinese nationals and Tajikistan clearly speak of their grand designs to destabilize the entire region. It was in this backdrop that Pakistan Foreign Office, on Thursday, strongly condemned India’s continued policies of coercion, extrajudicial killings abroad and marginalization of minorities, asserting that no amount of rhetoric can obscure New Delhi’s role in destabilizing the region, exporting terrorism into Pakistan and interfering in the internal affairs of neighbouring states. The FO spokesperson pointed out that Islamabad remained committed to peace, dialogue and respect for sovereignty, while urging the international community to take note of India’s actions that continue to endanger peace and security in the region. India is paying a price for its berserk policies and state terrorism as it is facing growing international isolation and its real face will unmask before the international community with the passage of time. In the meanwhile, it is important for all segments of society in Pakistan to extend their fullest possible support to the law enforcing agencies in rooting out the menace of terrorism.
For the first time in many years, the Government is pursuing policies aimed at maximum mobilization of domestic resources to lessen dependence on foreign loans that often impinge upon our national sovereignty. It is encouraging that the opposition PTI on Thursday underlined that it has always been their position that there should be no politics on the issue of terrorism and the National Action Plan should be implemented forthwith for crushing the menace. Hopefully, the party will back its statement by practical moves aimed at realizing the goal of terror-free Pakistan. It is also appreciable that in the case of Balochistan, apart from intelligence-based operations against terrorists, the Government is focusing on socio-economic progress and development of the province to get rid of ignorance and poverty, issues that are used for brain-washing of people. It is shocking that even some highly educated persons are found involved in terror-related activities as confirmed by arrest of a terrorist during an operation in Balochistan and recovery of sophisticated weapons, ammunition and a suicide jacket from his vehicle. The alleged terrorist, identified as Sajid Ahmed, aka Shawiz, was educated at the International Islamic University, Islamabad and had previously served as a teacher at the University of Turbat. Focus on infrastructure development, education and electrification could help improve awareness among people and counter propaganda of anti-state elements. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the killer Karachi-Quetta-Chaman National Highway into a modern four-lane carriageway and announced establishment of state-of-the-art Daanish schools across the province to offer free, world class education to underprivileged children. The successful conversion of agricultural tubewells to solar power has ensured sustainable energy for farmers and the PM has indicated provision of Rs. 40 billion for the Kachhi canal project, which is vital for agricultural development in Balochistan. The strategy to root out terror through combination of use of force and developmental initiatives will surely contribute in achieving the desired goals.
