- Nation vowed to crush militants ‘once and for all’: PM.
- Defense Minister warns against leniency towards terrorists.
- Khawaja Asif proposes a delegation visit to Kabul within two days.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in the country, saying the time had come to take “decisive action” against militants.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come a day after two army officers among 11 security personnel embraced martyrdom during an intelligence operation against Indian-backed terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district.
He said, “The blood of martyrs has drawn a line – to fight for Pakistan, and no one can erase it now. He said that the federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, civil servants and the armed forces are working day and night. But all these efforts will be in vain if we do not eliminate terrorism completely and crush its head as that is enough.”
The Prime Minister said that martyrs are the jewels of honor and dignity of Pakistan. Their sacrifices must always be remembered, he added.
The Prime Minister warned that the nation would not forgive if decisive action against terrorism was not taken now.
He said the enablers of the terrorists were also involved in their crimes, adding that the nation was united in its determination to eliminate the menace from the country once and for all.
Referring to his speech at the UN, the prime minister said he had highlighted Pakistan’s position on Palestine. He said there must be a ceasefire in Gaza and Palestinians must enjoy their right to self-determination.
He expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the war between Pakistan and India.
The Prime Minister reiterated that an independent Palestine was a key part of Pakistan’s foreign policy and no one should have any doubt about it.
He said his meeting with the US President in Washington, which was also attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, included detailed discussions on bilateral relations, trade and counter-terrorism.
“Softness towards terrorists is not tolerable”
Addressing the National Assembly session, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif categorically said that any leniency or softness towards terrorists is not tolerable.
He said a similar message would also be conveyed to Afghanistan. The defense czar said: “One proposal is for a delegation to go to Kabul within two days for talks. » He added that the delegation should make it clear that issues related to cross-border terrorism have now become intolerable.
He said the fight against terrorism must be clear and without gray areas. He stressed the need to put aside political differences and stand united behind the armed forces, without any problem, in the mission to eradicate terrorism in Pakistan.
Addressing the issue of terrorist attacks from Afghanistan, the Defense Minister urged the Afghan authorities to prevent the use of their soil for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan.
He added that millions of Afghan refugees have been residing in Pakistan for decades, but their allegiance and loyalty lie elsewhere. The minister noted that many Afghan refugees have become billionaires in the country, but some openly express hostility towards Pakistan.
