Pakistan’s security committee urges unified political resolve to combat terrorism

Pakistan’s National Security Committee of Parliament on Tuesday called for a strategic and unified political commitment to combat terrorism with the full might of the state. Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for national consensus and the swift implementation of counterterrorism strategies amid rising security threats.

The high-level in-camera session, convened at Parliament House under tight security, was attended by top government officials, military leadership, and political figures.

Opposition members from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other parties boycotted the meeting, drawing criticism from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Call for national unity

The committee underscored the importance of a unified approach to dismantle terrorist networks, eliminate logistical support, and sever links between terrorism and organized crime.

“We must stand together to root out terrorism,” Shehbaz said, expressing disappointment over the opposition’s absence. “The families of our martyrs and our brave soldiers are looking to us for unity and resolve.”

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir briefed lawmakers on internal and external security threats. He stressed that national security must remain above political divides.

“There is no agenda, no movement, and no personality greater than the security of the country,” he said. “For sustainable development, all elements of national power must work in harmony. This is a battle for our survival and that of our future generations.”

Countering social media propaganda

The committee expressed concern over the increasing misuse of social media by extremist groups for propaganda, recruitment, and attack coordination.

“A deliberate attempt is being made to create a rift between the army and the people through hateful propaganda,” Shehbaz warned. “The army and the people are one. This conspiracy has failed before and will fail again.”

The meeting called for strict measures to curb online extremism and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting digital platforms. Lawmakers stressed the need for legislation to regulate digital content without compromising freedom of speech.

An assessment of recent cyber threats was provided, highlighting cases where extremist elements used encrypted communication channels to plan attacks. An increased collaboration between intelligence agencies and digital platforms to disrupt these activities was highlighted at the moot.

Focus on Balochistan, KP

The security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the recent Jaffar Express hijacking, was a key discussion point. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur highlighted ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for additional resources.

“The morale of our police force must be strengthened,” Gandapur said. “We need the federal government’s support to address security gaps in tribal districts.”

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for intelligence-sharing and better coordination among law enforcement agencies. “We cannot afford fragmented efforts. Our security strategy must be proactive rather than reactive,” he said.

Bugti also highlighted the role of foreign-funded insurgents in destabilizing the province, urging the federal government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against those aiding anti-state elements.

Bilawal, Fazlur Rehman, and others weigh in

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that terrorism in Afghanistan poses a direct threat to Pakistan.

“The world must not assume this fire will not reach them,” he said. “We need a stronger diplomatic approach to highlight the Afghan government’s role in this crisis.”

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized PTI’s absence, stating he would have advised them to participate. He also called for continuity in state policies.

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“The state should not become part of anyone’s war,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s past involvement in the U.S. war on terror. “We suffered the consequences of aligning ourselves in external conflicts.”

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif urged regional cooperation, stating that instability in neighboring Afghanistan directly impacts Pakistan’s internal security. “Our borders remain vulnerable unless regional stakeholders cooperate in eradicating terrorism,” he noted.

Economic and strategic considerations

The economic impact of terrorism was another critical focus. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed the committee on how instability deters foreign investment and affects national growth.

“Security and economy go hand in hand,” Aurangzeb said. “Without a stable environment, economic progress remains unattainable.”

He outlined measures to secure infrastructure projects and prevent disruption to key trade routes, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar added that Pakistan was actively engaging with international partners to counter terrorist financing. “We must align our counterterrorism efforts with global standards to avoid financial blacklisting,” he cautioned.

Unanimous declaration adopted

The committee adopted a unanimous declaration reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms.

The statement, read by Shehbaz, condemned recent terror attacks and praised security forces for their sacrifices. It also called for strict action against those collaborating with hostile foreign entities.

“No individual or group working with hostile forces will be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s peace and stability,” the declaration stated.

Additionally, the declaration stressed the importance of reforming Pakistan’s judicial system to ensure the swift prosecution of terror-related cases. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the need for special anti-terror courts with fast-track proceedings.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening counterterrorism measures, reinforcing state institutions, and ensuring the country’s security apparatus remains robust and unified.

The committee recommended increased intelligence-sharing, modernization of security forces, and diplomatic pressure on countries harboring terrorists. A follow-up session was scheduled to review the implementation of these measures.

SAPM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings to prevent the infiltration of militants. “We must shut down all escape routes for terrorists and dismantle their supply chains,” he said.

As Pakistan navigates mounting security challenges, the session underscored the necessity of national unity and a strategic, long-term approach to counterterrorism.