ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The participants in a high-stake meeting of a Parliamentary Committee on National Security on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent wave of terrorist activities, and urged the need for a strategic and united political resolve to curb terrorism.
The in-camera meeting of the committee was convened at Parliament House today by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where the country’s top civilian and military leaders assembled to discuss measures to curb terrorism.
The meeting was attended by PM Shehbaz, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lieutenant General Asim Malik, chief ministers of all four provinces, and other top officials.
However, several key figures including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members skipped the the high-level huddle. The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), citing the absence of former premier Imran Khan, boycotted the top security moot.
Following the meeting, the premier read out the declaration unanimously adopted by the Parliamentary Committee in NA.
According to the statement issued after the meeting, the forum emphasized the need for a strategic and united political resolve to face this threat with the full strength of the state and called for national consensus in the fight against terrorism.
The committee resolved to deal with the terrorist groups and a strategy was discussed to eradicate terrorist networks, countering logistical support, and dismantling the nexus between terrorism and crime.
Parliamentary Committee appreciated the bravery, courage, and professional expertise of the security forces and law enforcement agencies in countering terrorism and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms. The committee also expressed solidarity with the families affected by the terrorism activities.
The committee expressed serious concern over the increasing misuse of social media platforms by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, recruit followers, and coordinate attacks, stressing the need for immediate measures to curb this abuse. It also emphasized the need to establish procedures to block digital networks of terrorists.
Reaffirming its unwavering support for the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, the committee acknowledged their immense sacrifices and the resolve for national defense, stating that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, police, FC, and intelligence agencies in the war against terrorism.
The committee reiterated that no institution, individual, or group involved in collaboration with the enemy to harm Pakistan’s peace and stability will be allowed to do so. It also expressed regret over the non-participation of certain opposition members and reiterated that the process of consultation will continue in the future.
Gen Asim’s address
While addressing the committee, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir said that the current fight against terrorism was a battle for the nation’s survival and its future generations, according to a statement issued by state media.
“There is no agenda, no movement, no personality greater than the security of the country. For sustainable development, all elements of national power will have to work in harmony,” the army chief was quoted as saying.
The army chief said there was a need for better governance in the country and to make it a hard state.
“How long will we continue to sacrifice countless lives in a manner of a soft state? How long will we continue to fill governance gaps with the blood of Pakistan Armed Forces and martyrs?” he was quoted as asking the committee.
The army chief requested religious scholars to expose the terrorists’ distorted interpretation of Islam. He added that everyone owed their continued existence to the country’s survival, saying there was “nothing more important to us than the security of the country”.
“To protect Pakistan, we will have to adopt a unified narrative that transcends our political and personal interests. Today sends a message to those who think they can weaken Pakistan through these terrorists that we will unite and defeat not only them but also all their facilitators,” he said.
