ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that terrorists and extremists are receding from the country. The overall security situation has significantly improved due to the ongoing operation of state forces .

Chairing a meeting to review the state of internal security and implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) at PM House on Monday, he lauded the performance of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in maintaining peace and security in the country.

The tide has turned due to the countless sacrifices rendered by our valiant soldiers and LEAs personnel, and unflinching resolve of the entire nation, Nawaz told the meeting which discussed at length the internal security situation of the country and different aspects of NAP.

“We will make Pakistan secure for every ethnicity and religion; the country has embarked upon a right track and we will enable every citizen to reap the benefits of a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” the prime minister vowed.

The gains in the National Action Plan and Zarb-e-Azb military operation will be consolidated through well coordinated and concerted efforts at the federal and provincial levels, he reiterated. The federal government will continue to facilitate the provincial governments by effective coordination and intelligence sharing through the federal agencies, he added.

Extremist ideology is a global threat; being the frontline state in war on terror, Pakistan confronted the blowback of terrorists for several years. No other country has suffered to the extent Pakistan has been affected socially and economically while fighting the scourge of terrorism and extremism, the prime minister said.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali, National Security Adviser Lt-Gen (r) Nasser Khan Janjua, ISI DG Lt-Gen Rizwan Akhtar, IB DG Aftab Sultan and other senior government officials.

Praise for PAF

PM Nawaz Sharif appreciated Pakistan Air Force’s role in safeguarding country’s air frontiers and clearing terrorists’ hideouts in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Talking to Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who called on him at the PM House, the prime minister said historically, the PAF has invariably responded to threats to the national security. He said the competence of the air force was matchless.

“It is encouraging that Pakistan Air Force’s traditional role has assumed new dimensions according to the changing times and advancement in technology,” the PM remarked.

The Air Chief apprised the PM on the professional matters and operational preparedness of the Air Force.