Islamabad, October 9, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signalled a decisive crackdown on terrorism, warning that Pakistan could no longer afford delays in tackling militancy.
“If we fail to act now, all our efforts will go in vain,” he cautioned while addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad.
The prime minister said the nation had witnessed several terror incidents in recent weeks and paid tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Referring to the Rawalpindi funeral of Lt-Colonel Junaid, Major Tayyab, and nine soldiers martyred in Orakzai, he said,
“Lt-Colonel Junaid set an example of bravery by leading from the front and eliminating 19 militants belonging to the Khawarij group before embracing martyrdom along with 10 comrades.”
Shehbaz said he also attended the funeral of Major Sibtain Haider earlier in the day, noting that the families of the martyrs took immense pride in their loved ones’ sacrifices.
He lamented the continuous loss of precious lives to terrorism and criticised elements providing safe havens to militants, saying:
“It is ironic that terrorists are being protected. They cross into Pakistan from neighbouring countries, while our so-called friends praise them. The country that once hosted and honoured them is now facing their hostility.”
The premier said the martyrs had drawn a clear line of defence for Pakistan’s protection and that no one would be allowed to cross it.
“If terrorism continues, all the hard work of the federal and provincial governments, ministers, parliament, and officials will go to waste. Enough is enough — we must eliminate terrorism once and for all,” he stressed.
Shehbaz noted that the entire nation, from Karachi to Peshawar, was questioning the resurgence of terrorism.
“We are achieving diplomatic and economic success, and have even earned a major victory against India. Yet terrorists are trying to destabilise the country. The game of fire and water must end — we must take firm decisions to eradicate terrorism.”
He reiterated his confidence in the military leadership, stating that the army chief’s resolve is unwavering, and the nation stands united against militancy.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent stance on the Palestinian cause, saying the country had represented the collective voice of its people at the United Nations, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
He said U.S. President Donald Trump had recently convened a meeting with eight Islamic nations, including Pakistan — recognition he credited to Pakistan’s “tireless diplomatic efforts.”
“I thanked President Trump on behalf of the nation for supporting the ceasefire in Gaza. He assured us that he had warned Israel that the western part of Gaza would never be occupied,” Shehbaz said.
He added that Pakistan had played an active diplomatic role in the ongoing peace efforts, following progress in the first phase of ceasefire talks.
The prime minister lauded China as Pakistan’s “time-tested and valued friend” and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan.
“Our brotherly relations span centuries. The defence agreement between our two nations reflects this deep bond — an attack on one will be considered an attack on the other,” he said.
Shehbaz praised the efforts of Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and other ministers for helping address issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), calling the region’s development “a national responsibility.”
He also highlighted the outcomes of his recent visit to Malaysia, noting that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had personally received him and that both countries finalised a $200 million deal for halal meat exports.
Concluding the cabinet meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan was moving steadily toward economic recovery.
“According to Bloomberg, Pakistan has been ranked as the world’s second-fastest emerging economy. This recognition is the result of relentless effort, and I congratulate all relevant ministries for their contribution,” he said.
