ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) has decided to launch a comprehensive operation against militant organizations to eliminate terrorism from the country.
The decision was made during a two-hour NSC meeting, attended by top civil and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Shamshad Mirza, and federal ministers for defence, finance, and information.
The meeting was held in response to the recent terrorist attack in Peshawar Police Lines, which killed over 80 people, mostly law enforcers.
The NSC has agreed to conduct an all-out, comprehensive operation, involving political, diplomatic, security, economic, and social efforts, to eliminate terrorism in all its forms from Pakistan. The government aims to rid the country of terrorism with renewed vigour and determination, with the help of the entire nation. The NSC has also formed a high-level committee to recommend implementation and limitations within two weeks.
The meeting emphasized the importance of comprehensive national security, with the people’s relief at the center of the government’s efforts. The NSC acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of the security forces in providing peace to the nation and reiterated its commitment to continue its activities until terrorism is eradicated.
The NSC blamed the recent spate of terrorism on a soft corner for and reckless policy with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which allowed terrorists to return without hindrance and released dangerous TTP terrorists from jails in the name of confidence-building. These dangerous returning terrorists and various militant organizations present in large numbers in Afghanistan have disrupted peace and stability in the country.
The committee condemned foreign-sponsored “poisonous propaganda” against state institutions and their leadership on social media, which affects national security. The NSC reaffirmed its determination to thwart the nefarious intentions of the enemies of the country and maintain peace and order achieved by the great sacrifices and continuous efforts of the martyrs.
The NSC also appreciated the successful operation in which one of the most wanted terrorists, Gulzar Imam alias Shambay, was arrested by an intelligence agency. Shambay is a hardcore militant and the founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA), responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including attacks on law enforcement agencies in Panjgur and Noshki.
