ISLAMABAD - Terming the elimination of terrorists the top-most priority of his government Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif once again vowed to take Karachi operation and Zerb-i-Azb to their logical conclusion.
Chairing a high-level meeting yesterday, he said they would take Sindh government along in the hunt for terrorists in the port city of Karachi but made it clear that no impediments in the way of the operation would be tolerated.
The meeting, participated by select cabinet members, reviewed overall security situation in the country and the positive impact of improved law and order situation on the national economy.
Sources aware of the meeting deliberations informed The Nation that PM and his team expressed their resolve to keep the ongoing operation against militants free from politics and take it to its logical conclusion as it has the ownership of both the government and the people of Pakistan.
“Eliminating the menace of terrorism and ensuring a peaceful Pakistan for our future generations is the top-most priority of our government and our successes against terrorism and achieving economic stability have created a new hope in our people,” the prime minister said while addressing the meeting.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the positive results of Karachi operation, which were acknowledged by all and sundry, and it was decided that without any fear or favour the ongoing operation would be taken to its logical conclusion and no one would be allowed to spoil the gains made so.
The meeting appreciated the matchless sacrifices and coordinated efforts of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Zarb-e-Azb military campaign in northwestern areas of the country as well as the Karachi operation.
The meeting participants included federal ministers Khawaja Asif (Defence), Ishaq Dar (Finance), Ch Nisar Ali (Interior), Pervaiz Rashid (Information), Ahsan Iqbal (Planning), Saad Rafique (Railways); Adviser to PM Sartaj Aziz; Special Assistants to PM (SAPMs) Tariq Fatemi, Irfan Siddique and Dr Asif Kirmani; Senator Mushahid Ullah and MNA Capt (r) Safdar.
Interior Minister Nisar Ali briefed the participants on the progress of Charsadda university attack investigations. The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s resolve to continue the war on terror until the last terrorist is eliminated from the country.
“Wiping out terrorism from the motherland is the collective resolve of the state of Pakistan, its government and people of the land,” the prime minister said and added that “the perpetrators and facilitators of the heinous act of killing our innocent children in the place of their studies will be brought to justice”.
The meeting participants expressed satisfaction over the pace and achievements in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb, which according to prime minister had broken the backbone of terrorists who have resorted to targeting soft targets out of sheer frustration.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed not to let these anti-state elements achieve their evil objectives and said the government would eliminate them with the support of the masses.
The PM also took the participants into confidence on his latest visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran and Davos (Switzerland) saying Pakistan’s image abroad has improved which is due to the consolidated efforts of the government team. The business leaders and communities from the world over view Pakistan quite positively, for which the economic team of the government deserves recognition and appreciation, he added.
Nawaz Sharif emphasised that the country was put on right track to achieve stability and economic progress, and efforts were underway to exploit all sectors of national economy to optimal level.
Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan yesterday held consultations with the director general of Sindh Rangers to make the paramilitary force led targeted operation in Karachi more effective.
A statement issued by interior ministry said he rang up Rangers DG and consulted him with a view to make the operation in the port city more effective. The minister said the operation would be moved ahead in an effective way in the coming days.
“Karachi operation has not only the support of citizens of Karachi but also whole Pakistan and every hurdle would be removed in its way,” he said, as he showed his satisfaction on the performance of police and Rangers with regard to the operation.
The interior minister, the other day, had lashed out at the PPP and Singh government for criticising him over ‘poor’ implementation of National Action Plan (NAP).