Resettling terrorists resulted in rise of terrorism: Shehbaz

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday again blasted the then Imran Khan-led PTI government’s decision to allow the TTP terrorists — Fitna al-Khawarij — to resettle in Pakistan and mentioned it as the reason behind the rise in terrorism acts in Pakistan.

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He vowed that armed forces and law enforcement agencies will eradicate the threat completely while noting that foreign forces do not want to see Pakistan progressing.

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Speaking at a event in London which a selected group of Pakistani media persons attended, the prime minister these views as he reflected upon his recent visit the United States where he addressed the UN General Assembly and met President Donald Trump besides participating in other events on the sidelines of the annual gathering.

GAZA

One of these meetings was on Gaza, which Shehbaz called a welcome development and stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire. “There should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” he urged, expressing confidence that the meeting would yield positive results soon amid the unchecked Israeli atrocities.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

About his meeting with Trump at the White House, the prime minister said discussion focused on trade and investment in the minerals sector, with Trump assuring that mutual cooperation would be expanded.

DEFENCE PACT

Beyond the US, Shehbaz recalled his recent visit to Saudi Arabia and the signing of Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement which, he clarified, is not directed against any country.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protect the Two Holy Mosques. “We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the protection of the Haramain Sharifain.”

PAKISTAN-INDIA WAR

On the domestic front, Sharif highlighted efforts to bolster Pakistan’s economy, which he said is moving in the right direction.

The prime minister also touched on South Asia and said Pakistan defeated India in the four-day war in a decisive manner. “The Pakistani armed forces taught India a lesson that it will always be remembered.

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However, the prime minister warned that if Pakistan-India war had prolonged, then it would have caused immense losses, as he expressed gratitude to Trump for his role in facilitating the ceasefire.

He also mentioned raising the Kashmir dispute and the Indus Waters Treaty-related matters forcefully at the UN General Assembly.