The National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan decided on Friday to launch a “comprehensive operation” to eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the 41st meeting of the NSC, which was attended by cabinet ministers, chief ministers, service chiefs, intelligence chiefs, and other key civil and military officials.
The National Security Council (NSC) is a federal institutional and consultative body chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister. It is the primary forum for Cabinet ministers and national security advisers to discuss foreign policy and national security issues.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the NSC meeting was held in continuation of an earlier session held in the aftermath of a terror attack at Peshawar Police Lines on January 30, which claimed 84 lives and injured over 200 people.
“The meeting agreed to launch an all-out comprehensive operation with the support of the entire nation and the government, ridding the country of the threat of terrorism with renewed vigor and determination,” according to the statement.
During the nationwide terror operation, measures would be implemented at the political, diplomatic, security, economic, and social levels, according to the statement.
According to the press release, a high-level committee has been formed and will issue directions on the operation’s enforcement and limitations within two weeks.
The NSC discussed the dangers posed by rebel groups, particularly those linked to the banned terror organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
“As a result of the support given by these returning dangerous terrorists and various terrorist organizations present in large numbers in Afghanistan, peace and stability in the country were destroyed,” it said.
The NSC meeting was held amid a growing schism between the federal government and the judiciary over the conduct of elections in Punjab province.
Following the orders of the Pakistan Supreme Court, the federal government would direct the top military brass to conduct a briefing on potential terror threats if elections were held in Punjab province on May 14.
The Pakistan Army informed the Election Commission of Pakistan last month that troops would not be available for election duty due to the country’s current law and order situation.
The previous NSC meeting in January reaffirmed the country’s commitment to “zero tolerance” for terrorism.
