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“Our mission is clear: eradicating terrorism is the top, second, and third priority,” PM Shehbaz Sharif stated. The meeting came against the backdrop of escalating militancy since the Afghan Taliban’s rise to power in 2021, with attacks primarily targeting security forces, civilians, and foreign nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Karachi.
The meeting included Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, provincial chief ministers, intelligence heads, federal ministers, and senior civil and military officials. Discussions covered the implementation of the National Action Plan for Counter-Terrorism, improving intergovernmental coordination, and addressing the root causes of terrorism in KP and Balochistan. Participants reviewed outcomes from intelligence-based operations and stressed the need for effective intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic progress, crediting key stakeholders, including the army chief and provincial governments, for their roles. He highlighted the stock exchange’s historic performance, reduced inflation, and a decline in policy rates. However, he cautioned that sustained progress requires increased investment and stringent measures to curb tax evasion.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz unveiled a recent fraud involving fake invoices created through an 80-year-old woman’s account, which siphoned off Rs370 million. He stressed the importance of tax reforms and urged the elite to bear sacrifices for national progress, rather than relying on the poor.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s sacrifices, he noted that terrorism has claimed 80,000 lives and cost the economy $130 billion. Despite progress under former PM Nawaz Sharif, the resurgence of terrorism has reignited fears across the nation. He urged political unity and calmness to address national challenges and pave the way for development.
