ISLAMABAD - Expressing full faith in the command and control mechanism for the safety and security of nuclear weapons, the Defence Committee of the Cabinet reiterated to weed out the menace of terrorism through a well coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and state institutions at all levels. Held under the chair of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the PMs House on Wednesday evening, the meeting reviewed the overall security situation arising from the terrorist attacks and issues relating to regional security and stability. The meeting was attended by federal ministers, the Chairman JCSC (Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee), the three Services Chiefs and the Director General ISI (Inter Services Intelligence). The Chief of Naval Staff and the secretaries Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs briefed the DCC on the terrorist attack on PNS Mehran, internal security and regional situation. A full inquiry into the terrorist attack on PNS Mehran was also ordered. After in-depth discussions, it was decided: Coordinated efforts will be made to prevent and preempt acts of terrorism. Security, defence and law enforcement agencies will be authorised to use all means necessary to eliminate terrorists and militants. All citizens should extend their full cooperation to the security and law enforcement agencies and the defence forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism. National security is the foremost priority and all arms of the government will ensure that terrorists hideouts will be destroyed using all appropriate means. The national consensus on eliminating terrorism will be implemented through a well-coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and state institutions at all levels. The DCC expressed full confidence in the ability and the capacity of the Armed Forces and law enforcement and intelligence agencies in meeting all threats to national security. It was decided that the DCC would continue to meet regularly to develop further, update and closely monitor implementation of the counter-terrorism strategy. Earlier in his opening remarks, Prime Minister Gilani said that the fast-changing national security paradigm had compelled them to meet twice a month to take holistic review of the impending threats to national security with a view to find answers, to put an end to the concerns being expressed regarding state of security of the country. In the wake of the terrorist attack on PNS Mehran on May 22, serious concerns are being expressed about our ability to deal with the gravity of problems posed due to terrorism. These concerns need to be clearly addressed and all efforts should be made to reinforce our capacity to effectively eliminate terrorism, the Prime Minister said. He further said, I have personally visited PNS Mehran. The purpose was not only to get an in-depth briefing on the terrorist attack but also to express heartfelt condolences for all those brave men who have lost their lives as well as to ascertain the well-being of the injured. On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, I express our full support and solidarity with the officers and men of the Pakistan Armed Forces for their services in ensuring national security, he added. A full investigation has been ordered into the Mehran terrorist attack, he further said and added that the people of Pakistan would never be intimidated by such acts. Each terrorist attack reinforces our national resolve to eliminate this menace. There is no cause for any despondency. However, we certainly need to revisit the steps required to avert and preempt such attacks. I have no doubt that we have the will and capacity to deal with these challenges. Concerns have also been expressed about the safety and security of our strategic assets. Any speculation in this regard is unwarranted. Under the National Command Authority, he said, the country has an effective command and control system for ensuring the safety and security of nuclear weapons and related systems. These arrangements conform to the highest international standards and practices followed by other nuclear states, he added. He made it clear that the government was determined to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of citizens. It is imperative that we take steps urgently to enhance our intelligence capabilities and improve system-wide coordination for averting attacks. It is clear that we are now entering another defining phase in the struggle against terrorists and for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. Our engagement with regional states and major powers has intensified. I have no doubt that our courageous people and state institutions will not only safeguard Pakistans national interests but shall meet all challenges, avail new opportunities and uphold the dignity and honour of our nation. Our history testified to the resilience of our people and state institutions. We will overcome all challenges. Many of these challenges arise from global and regional developments. We are destined to play an important role in regional and global affairs. Our geo-strategic positioning impels us to shoulder responsibilities for the cause of global peace. The nation is proud of the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Armed Forces and honours them. The PM added: The diversity and the quantum of challenges to the National Security demand that we may have to make a departure from our conventional thinking and look for out-of-the-box solution and carve out alternate strategies. I strongly believe that we have potential and resilience to face these challenges upfront and to meet the aspirations of our people. In todays deliberations, we should also bear in mind the resolution unanimously adopted by the joint sitting of the Parliament, he added. I want through this forum, a message to go out to the nation that our strategic assets are well protected and our capability to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity and liberties of our people, is very much in place. The incident is a serious threat to our security paradigm but with the help of our resolute nation we will surely be successful in overcoming this unique challenge, the PM concluded.