In Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that combating terrorism is the collective duty of all administrative and provincial governments, as well as institutions. He called for a unified and coordinated approach to eradicate this menace from Pakistan.
Complexity of Terrorism in Pakistan
The PM highlighted the intricate nature of terrorism in Pakistan, noting its connections to crime, drugs, smuggling, extremism, and religious hatred. He stressed the importance of stability and law and order for sustainable development, stating that a weak state loses investor confidence.
Shared Accountability and Collaboration
Criticizing the over-reliance on the Pakistani military to fight terrorism, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for all institutions and provincial governments to share this responsibility. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the military and called for a comprehensive system and robust governance to achieve lasting stability.
Provincial Role and Legislative Action
Emphasizing the significant role of provincial governments in counter-terrorism efforts, particularly after the 18th Amendment, the Prime Minister called for unity among all stakeholders, including political and religious leaders. He stressed the need for legislative action to empower law enforcement agencies, identifying existing legal loopholes as a major hindrance to effective counter-terrorism operations.
International Cooperation and Combating Disinformation
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of proactive diplomacy to address terrorist elements outside Pakistan. He condemned the ongoing campaign against Pakistan-China relations as a malicious disinformation campaign and praised the Chinese government for countering it.
