In a decisive move to combat terrorism, Pakistan’s civil and military leaders convened on Friday, pledging a united effort to eliminate extremist threats with zero tolerance for “Fitna al-Khawraj.” The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together key figures from the government, military, and security agencies to address the alarming surge in terrorist activity and escalating tensions with Afghanistan.
The country’s security situation has deteriorated sharply in 2024, with a significant rise in terrorist attacks, the worst since 2014, when the war on terror was at its peak. The resurgence of the Afghan Taliban, following their return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, has been a key factor behind this resurgence of violence.
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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan reached new heights last week when Kabul accused Pakistan of carrying out air strikes in the border regions, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts. This led to intense exchanges of gunfire along the border, though diplomatic channels have since been activated to ease the situation.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating extremism, calling for collective action from all sectors of society to address the issue. He highlighted the importance of countering online propaganda and conspiracy theories aimed at destabilizing the country, asserting that the sacrifices made by the nation’s soldiers would never be in vain.
The gathering included the Army Chief, provincial Chief Ministers, senior security officials, and other relevant authorities. Prime Minister Sharif also congratulated the attendees on Pakistan’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and expressed the country’s determination to contribute to global peace during its two-year term.
The prime minister emphasized strengthening Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Departments (CTDs), particularly in Punjab, and improving police training and recruitment to better tackle the growing threats. He called for coordinated strategies among federal, provincial, and defense institutions to ensure the successful fight against extremism.
Sharif condemned cross-border attacks and external support for anti-state activities in Balochistan, stressing that national security was vital for Pakistan’s development. He warned of the dangers posed by anti-Pakistan narratives being spread on digital platforms and vowed to protect the nation’s honor.
In closing, the prime minister called for unity among all stakeholders to eradicate extremism and pave the way for a prosperous Pakistan. The meeting marked a critical step in strengthening the country’s resolve to tackle terrorism head-on.
