NSC meeting reiterates ‘zero tolerance’ against terrorism

The second round of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting convened on Monday reiterated its resolve to have “zero tolerance” for terrorism in the country, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The moot the principal decision-making forum on foreign policy and national security was attended by senior civilian and military leaders with key matters of security and the economy on the agenda.

A press release issued by the PMO after the meeting’s conclusion said the NSC reaffirmed its determination to take on “any and all entities that resort to violence”, adding that any violence would be dealt with the “full force of the state”. “Pakistan’s security is uncompromisable and the full writ of the state will be maintained on every inch of Pakistan’s territory,” the press release reads.

It added that the committee was apprised of the country’s security situation of the country with a particular focus on recent terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the war against terrorism will be led by federal and provincial governments as per the National Action Plan in accordance with the National Internal Security Policy with “peoplecentric socio-economic development” as the priority.

Meanwhile, the armed forces will provide “resolute deterrence and secure a conducive and enabling environment”. “Provincial Apex Committees are being revived in full earnest and LEAs (law enforcement agencies), especially CTDs (counter terrorism departments), will be brought up to the required fighting standards with requisite capabilities.

“The forum concluded that no country will be allowed to provide sanctuaries and facilitation to terrorists and Pakistan reserves all rights in that respect to safeguard her people,” the press release reads.