Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan, stressing the time has come to take “decisive actions” against militants.
Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet a day after 11 security personnel, including two Army officers, embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation against India-backed terrorists in Orakzai district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, he said the blood of martyrs had drawn a line for Pakistan. He said the federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, civil servants, and the armed forces are working day and night to bolster the economy, but these efforts will be in vain if terrorism is not crushed. “Enough is enough,” he added.
Describing martyrs as the crown jewels of Pakistan’s honor and dignity, he said their sacrifices must always be remembered. He warned that the nation would not forgive its rulers if decisive action were not taken against terrorism now.
Sharif said facilitators of terrorists were equally involved in their crimes, adding the nation was united in its resolve to eliminate the menace from the country once and for all.
Referring to his address at the U.N. General Assembly, the recalled he had highlighted Pakistan’s stance on Palestine. He said there must be a ceasefire in Gaza and Palestinians should be granted their right to self-determination. He reiterated that an independent Palestine remains a key component of Pakistan’s foreign policy and no one should have any doubt about this.
He also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts to stop the Pakistan-India war in May. He said his meeting with the U.S. president in Washington, also attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, covered detailed discussions on bilateral relations, trade, and counterterrorism.
Cabinet decisions
In its meeting, the cabinet approved the formation of a special force for the protection of major dams and hydropower projects under the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). It also ratified the recently inked Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and paid tribute to the leaderships of both countries.
The cabinet further approved the donation of 15 non-operational aircraft of the Department of Plant Protection to various institutions for educational, commemorative, and exhibition purposes. The remaining four operational aircraft would continue to be used by the department for anti-locust operations. The donation decision stems from failed past attempts to auction the aircraft.