Islamabad, November 19, 2024- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that eradicating terrorism is Pakistan’s foremost priority as the country moves toward economic stability. Addressing the apex committee meeting in Islamabad, the premier emphasized, “Our mission is clear. First, eradicate terrorism. Second, eradicate terrorism. And third, eradicate terrorism.”
The meeting, attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, intelligence heads, provincial chief ministers, federal ministers, and senior civil and military leadership, focused on reviewing Pakistan’s security landscape. It also assessed the implementation of the National Action Plan for Counter-Terrorism and strategies to curb the rising wave of militancy.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s strides toward stability, crediting collaborative efforts between federal and provincial governments. He praised the army chief’s role and acknowledged the contribution of provincial leaders, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in successfully completing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
The premier noted economic achievements, including record-high stock market levels, inflation reduced to single digits, and a policy rate cut to 15%. He emphasized increased exports in the information technology sector and higher remittances, while cautioning that sustained progress requires robust domestic and foreign investments.
“This IMF program must be Pakistan’s last,” PM Shehbaz asserted, stressing the importance of integrity and collaboration across all political and administrative levels.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz revealed a major fraud case involving fake invoices through an elderly woman’s account, costing the nation Rs370 million. He underscored the urgency of preventing tax evasion, which he described as critical to filling the national treasury.
The prime minister reiterated the need for political unity to combat terrorism and propel national development. He urged the elite to bear the brunt of sacrifices, noting that ordinary citizens have endured hardships for decades. “The elite must demonstrate selflessness,” he said.
PM Shehbaz praised provincial efforts in key sectors, including Sindh’s fight against polio and Punjab’s advancements in agricultural taxation. He also reminded the committee of the sacrifices made during former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, when terrorism was curtailed at the cost of 80,000 lives and a $130 billion economic toll.
Expressing deep concern over the resurgence of terrorism, the premier questioned, “What allowed this menace to rise again?” He lamented the near-daily attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, stating, “Fear grips the nation, and parents worry for their children’s safety.”
He called on political leaders to prioritize constructive dialogue over disruptive protests, urging all parties to choose between demonstrations and building a path to development.
“Pakistan’s progress depends on our collective will to defeat terrorism and unite for a brighter future,” the premier concluded.
