ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Sunday reiterated the government's commitment to continue its fight against terrorism in the country till its complete elimination. Talking to media persons here, the minister said that not only the government but it was the commitment of the whole nation to rootout terrorism from the country.
He said that establishing a peaceful society was the ultimate goal and a common destiny of all Pakistanis.
Replying to a question regarding involvement of foreign elements in terrorists activities in the country, the minister said that every step would be taken to handle these terrorists.
"Whether terrorists are foreigners or locals. Whether internal or external hands are involved or locals are involved with the financial support of foreign elements in the terrorists incidents, bloodshed or target killing, they will be dealt with iron hands."
He said, "We need peace in Pakistan as it is the right of every Pakistani to live a peaceful life as being lived by people in other parts of the world." He said that Pakistanis want to have a safe country and to achieve this objective the government will make sincere efforts both at national and international levels.
The minister said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor had three routes in Pakistan, adding, these routes were shared in national and international media. He said the three routes cover the four provinces of the country including Gilgit-Baltistan. He made it clear that there was no change in the corridor's routes. "Ever since the first Memorandum of Understanding was signed no alteration has been made in the route."
He however said that to satisfy the political parties, the Prime Minister has decided to form a parliamentary committee to oversee the project and to address the concerns of parliamentary leaders, if any.
He said that parliamentary leaders would have an opportunity to discuss their concerns at the committee and the fair ones would be addressed. He said that the project was beneficial for the whole country, for coming generations and for all governments to come. It was not only for any single political party, a government, a province or a person, but also for the whole Pakistan.
He said that there was no disagreement from any political party on this project and all had agreed and wanted its early completion.
The minister clarified that there was no issue of release of funds for NACTA, adding, funds were being provided in accordance with the capacity of the authority, in order to have complete control over terrorism, which was a government's priority.
Responding to a question, he said that every one should avoid to involve in the politics of allegations and should primarily focus on national issues and the challenges being faced by the country like terrorism, energy and unemployment.
He expressed the hope that Imran Khan would also consider these challenges confronting the country while making his statements.
He said that during last two years Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had failed to establish its political worth as it remained engaged in agitations and allegations.
He said that PTI failed to prove a single allegation at any tribunal which were raised by Imran Khan on the shipping container as tribunals in their decision did not mention any rigging in elections.
He said that now they are trying to show that "Papu" was actually behind the defeat of Imran Khan in general elections.
"Not a single countryman knew about Papu and we are also in search for him, who according to Imran Khan has changed the entire elections results," he added.
Earlier, the minister addressed the participants of a seminar/exhibition titled "Massacre of the Innocents."
On the occasion, he said that the work of artists truly represent the national feelings over the Army Public School's incident.
He appreciated their artistic work and thanked for their contribution to remember those who had lost their lives in the incident.
Secretary Ministry for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Muhammad Azam was also present on the occasion.