After a spate of terrorist attacks across the country, Pakistan's top civil and military leadership sat together at the Parliament House on Tuesday to thrash out an effective counterterrorism strategy, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, intelligence agency heads, federal ministers, Azad Kashmir’s prime minister, all four provincial chief ministers and delegations from political parties.
A statement issued after the meeting said that committee members condemned the recent incidents of terrorism, expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and reiterated the country’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The committee members lauded the valour and professionalism of security forces and law enforcement agencies in conducting their counter-terrorism operations.
“The committee stressed the need for a national consensus to repel terrorism, emphasising strategic and unified political commitment to confront this menace with the full might of the state,” the statement reads.
The committee members stressed the need for immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and Operation Azm-i-Istehkam to dismantle terrorist networks, counter logistical support and dismantle the nexus between terrorism and crime.
They also expressed concern over the increasing use of social media platforms by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, recruit followers, and coordinate their networks. The committee members recommended the need for measures to curb such use of social media and also called for formulating a mechanism to counter the activities of terrorists.
“Reiterating its unwavering support for Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, the committee acknowledged their sacrifices and commitment to national defence and said that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, police, Frontier Constabulary and intelligence agencies in the war against terrorism.
“The committee reiterated that no institution, individual or group working in collusion with hostile forces will be allowed to harm the peace and stability of Pakistan,” the statement added.
It concluded by pointing out that the committee members also regretted the lack of participation by some opposition members and reiterated that the consultation process in this regard would continue. The declaration was unanimously passed by the committee members.
Earlier, addressing the in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security at Parliament House in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concerns over the security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sixteen members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) participated under Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) joined under Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
However, the main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its allies, including Mehmood Achakzai, boycotted the session and announced that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will attend the meeting in his official capacity. However, the PTI leadership urged the government to release party founder Imran Khan on parole so that he can participate in such a high-level security meeting.
While addressing the in-camera meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that terrorism has no place on Pakistani soil and reaffirmed the nation’s unity in the fight against terrorism. He stated, "We will defeat terrorism at all costs. The country’s political leadership stands united on national security, setting aside political differences."
Shehbaz Sharif further said, "It would have been better if opposition leaders had also joined this crucial discussion." He praised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism. He thanked the military leadership, particularly Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, for briefing the parliamentary leadership on national security concerns.
Tight security arrangements
Tight security arrangements have been made at the Parliament House and nearby areas for the in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.
According to NA spokesperson, all parliamentary leaders of political parties, along with their representatives, are expected to participate in the meeting. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure foolproof security. Strict measures are in place inside and around the Parliament House.
The meeting will be held behind closed doors. Media personnel will not be allowed to enter the Parliament building. Press cards issued to journalists will not be valid on Tuesday, March 18.
No unauthorized persons will be allowed entry into the Parliament premises during the meeting. In addition, carrying mobile phones inside the National Assembly Hall will be strictly prohibited throughout the session.
Reporter Rozina Ali