In response to the escalating wave of terrorism in Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his government's commitment to eradicating terrorist activities and safeguarding the nation's security.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the prime minister declared, "The activities of terrorists will be completely eradicated from the country," adding that there was no place for terrorists in the country.
He announced that he would soon visit Balochistan to assess the situation first-hand through comprehensive discussions with local authorities and stakeholders. This visit comes in the wake of recent tragic incidents that have claimed the lives of over 50 Pakistanis, including several soldiers.
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"Yesterday's events are momentous, but the country will overcome these challenges with unity," said Shehbaz Sharif. He made it clear that no leniency will be shown towards those who align with the enemies of the state, adding that the nation must display unity and solidarity to identify and defeat them.
"No lenient attitude will be taken with enemies in the guise of friends," he stressed. However, he also expressed openness to dialogue with those who believe in the Constitution and accept Pakistan. "Doors are open for dialogue only with those who believe in the Constitution and accept Pakistan," he stressed.
He insisted that there was no chance of any kind of weakness, adding: "We have to move forward with firm intention."
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Shehbaz condemned the recent incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he said targeted innocent Pakistanis, describing them as highly condemnable. He noted that the purpose of these terrorist activities is to sow confusion and disrupt the progress of the nation, but assured that the "dirty ambitions of terrorists will be crushed, and the entire nation is united to end terrorism".
"Terrorist groups are operating from Afghanistan," Prime Minister Sharif claimed, adding that effective operations are being conducted against terrorists.
The PM praised the determination of Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and the soldiers who, he said, are committed to ending terrorism. "The time has come to end terrorism," Shehbaz Sharif declared, saying the only aim of terrorists is to hamper the progress of the country.
The prime minister highlighted the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "Terrorists want to create distance between Pakistan and China and harm CPEC projects," he said, reaffirming his government's commitment to protecting CPEC and other national interests.