Pakistan PM vows to ensure peace and security nationwide ‘at all cost’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to ensure peace and security across Pakistan at all costs during an apex committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) held Friday at the Prime Minister’s House.

This call comes in the wake of a significant surge in terrorist activities. In 2024, Pakistan experienced its deadliest year of terrorism since 2015, with attacks increasing by 70% and resulting in 852 deaths nationwide.

The Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) reported 521 attacks that left 1,092 people injured, with over 95% of these incidents occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

“Peace and security must be ensured in every corner of the country at all costs,” Shehbaz said. He stressed the importance of eradicating terrorism completely and urged national institutions, provinces, and the federal government to work together on a coordinated plan of action.

Security officials inspect a vehicle wreckage after a suicide attack killed five Chinese dam construction workers and their Pakistani driver near Besham city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, when their vehicle plunged off the Karakoram Highway on March 26, 2024. AFP

The meeting, chaired by Shehbaz, brought together key stakeholders, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, senior intelligence officials, federal ministers, chief ministers of all four provinces, chief secretaries, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Discussions focused on implementing the National Action Plan 2021 and devising a future strategy to counter growing security challenges.

The premier expressed concerns about the increasing threat from foreign infiltrators operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He accused enemy nations of sponsoring these attacks and highlighted the role of internal facilitators aiding external threats.

“The enemy is lying in ambush for nefarious purposes,” Shehbaz said. “Operations are being carried out against Pakistan from across the border, and we have given a befitting reply to these attacks and will continue to do so.”

The prime minister called for enhanced police training, better preparedness, and the use of modern technology to combat terrorism. He said the time had come to prioritize the country’s interests over personal agendas to address the scourge of terrorism effectively.

Digital threat

PM Shehbaz also warned of the growing digital threat posed by anti-national agents spreading misinformation and propaganda against Pakistan on social media. “Poison is being spewed against Pakistan on the digital front,” he said. “The provinces and the federal government must play their role in curbing this propaganda.”

During the session, intelligence agency heads briefed participants on the country’s law and order situation, cross-border terrorist activities, and developments along the Pak-Afghan border. Discussions included bilateral relations with Afghanistan and recent agreements in the Kurram region aimed at addressing border tensions.

Pakistani soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint in Parachinar, capital of the Kurram district, on January 22, 2017. AFP

'Joint efforts to end terrorism'

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, speaking to reporters after the meeting, confirmed that joint efforts to eliminate terrorism were a key focus.

He noted that terrorist activities had increased since the end of Imran Khan’s government and called for stronger coordination between the military and civilian authorities. “The border area is the responsibility of the army and the federation,” he said. “Operations carried out in the merged districts have not yielded significant results. A jirga can now be considered as part of talks with Afghanistan.”

Gandapur also raised concerns over unresolved issues from the May 9 incidents, where 58 workers were injured, 13 were killed, and 45 remain missing. He criticized the lack of action on these matters and called for the formation of a commission.

During the meeting, Shehbaz congratulated Pakistan on assuming the responsibilities of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, pledging to uphold the UN Charter and contribute to world peace during the two-year term. “Pakistan will play a full role in implementing the United Nations Charter,” he said, lauding the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his team.

The prime minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces would not go in vain. “Officers and soldiers are sacrificing day and night for Pakistan,” he said. “It is the duty of all of us to put the country on the path of development.”