ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday resolved not to allow the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to challenge the writ of the state while taking serious note of the violent attacks carried out by proscribed organization.
This consensus was reached at the 35th meeting of the NSC, which was convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. The NSC received a detailed briefing on the country’s internal security situation.
The high-level huddle was attended by relevant federal cabinet members, national security adviser, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all three services chiefs, director-generals of ISI, IB and FIA, and other senior civil and military officers.
Taking serious note of the unprovoked violent attacks committed by TLP members, Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed that no group or entity would be allowed to cause public disruption or use violence to pressure the government.
During the meeting, the committee members were unanimous that TLP was deliberately employing violence against public property, state officials, and ordinary citizens to create instability in the country and that “this shall not be tolerated.”
The committee members emphasized that the government recognized the right of peaceful protest of all Pakistanis. The committee praised the police for their professionalism and restraint despite being directly targeted and suffering casualties.
The prime minister and committee members expressed condolences at the loss of life of policemen and committed to compensating and looking after their families.
Commending the exceptional performance of the law enforcement agencies, the prime minister assured that the government would firmly stand behind them as they acted to enforce the law and protect the public.
The NSC took notice that no previous government or prime minister had taken such an unequivocal, public international stance on the issue of Namoos-e-Risalat and Islamophobia.
It was reiterated that one key objective of establishing the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority was also to intellectually counter international propaganda against Islam and sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The participants decried TLP’s misuse of religion and the issue of Namoos-e-Risalat for political gains, which was misleading the common man and creating internal discord within society.
“In the process, TLP’s actions have caused public disorder, serious economic losses to the country, besides boosting the morale of other terrorist outfits seeking to challenge the state’s writ,” the committee observed.
Endorsing the view of the committee, the prime minister instructed that all measures and actions necessary to enforce the law and protect the interests of the state and public shall be ensured.
