PM asks provinces to shoulder responsibility to fight terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the problem of terrorism in Pakistan is very complex, urging provinces to shoulder responsibility to fight the menace.

Chairing the National Apex Committee meeting in Islamabad, he stated, “We are all gathered to ponder over a fundamental matter of national security. Crime, drugs, trafficking, and religious hatred are fatally linked to terrorism. The problem of terrorism has been increasing for the last several decades. Stability and the rule of law are essential for sustainable development in Pakistan. It is our common responsibility to implement the state’s effectiveness with full force. A soft state can never win the trust of investors.”

He said that “We have left this scourge only to the army officers and jawan. Provincial governments have absolved themselves of this responsibility. This is a dangerous practice that has become prevalent in recent years. Provinces say this is the work of the army. Terrorism will not end this way. Provinces are also responsible for tackling this menace. Pakistan’s armed forces have shed blood for decades. Without a complete system, we cannot expect permanent stability. Anti-terrorism agencies have to play their role. The sacrifices of the armed forces against terrorism are unparalleled.”

The premier said that after the 18th constitutional amendment, the provincial governments have a major role in the war against terrorism.

“Together we will end terrorism. Our political leadership must be clear about the war against terrorism. This war is for our own survival; we are not fighting someone else’s war. We are fighting to save our future generations. This has to be understood and accepted beyond all political differences. We have to take responsibility for it. It would be a blatant mistake to leave it to a state agency. We all have to work together to involve the entire nation. We will need active diplomacy with regional countries, and we have to strengthen law enforcement agencies through legislation. A legal vacuum is a major obstacle in effective operations and cases against terrorists.”

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He said that parliament’s most important function is to legislate. We will provide legal power to the forces and institutions to end this problem. We will provide the forces with effective tools for war. We will provide whatever it takes to end terrorism.”

PM SHehbaz said that the federal government, not the provinces, is bearing the costs of the war against terrorism. We all have a role to play in this war and in building this country. Resources are common resources for all of us. We will make laws to strengthen the voice of the government. We will ensure that misinformation and lies do not suppress the truth. I have just visited China, and the enemies of Pakistan ran a dirty campaign.”

All four chief ministers, the army chief, police inspector-generals and other top officials attended the meeting.