NSC reiterates 'zero tolerance' against terrorism

Islamabad: National Security Committee (NSC) Monday reiterated its resolve to have zero tolerance for terrorism in Pakistan and reaffirmed its determination to take on any and all entities that resort to violence, during its 40th meeting held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The NSC meeting was attended by relevant federal cabinet members, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all services chiefs, and heads of intelligence services.

The Committee expressed that Pakistan's security is non-negotiable and the full writ of the state will be maintained on every inch of the Pakistan's territory.

The committee was apprised on the security situation of the country with particular focus on recent terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the war against terrorism will be led by federal and provincial governments as per National Action Plan (NAP) in accordance with National Internal Security Policy with people centric socio-economic development as priority while Armed Forces will provide resolute deterrence and secure conducive and enabling environment.

The forum concluded that no country will be allowed to provide sanctuaries and facilitation to terrorists and Pakistan reserves all rights in that respect to safeguard its people.

It also undertook a comprehensive view of the ongoing economic situation vis-à-vis challenges being faced by the common people of Pakistan, particularly the lower and middle-income classes.

The finance minister briefed the meeting about the economic stability road map of the government including the status of discussions with international financial institutions, exploring other financial avenues based on mutual interests as well as relief measures for common people.

In order to strengthen the economy, the committee agreed on undertaking concrete steps including imports rationalization as well as preventing illegal currency outflows and hawala business.

Emphasis will be especially made to improve agricultural output and manufacturing sector to ensure food security, imports substitution and employment.

It was resolved that people centric economic policies with trickle down effects to common people will remain priority.

It was also agreed to involve all stakeholders for consensus to realize effective and fast track economic recovery and road map.

While taking into account the efforts for mitigating the challenges of 33 Million flood affectees, forum resolved to mobilize all resources for their rehabilitation and reconstruction in coordination with the Provincial Governments and multilateral financial institutions.

The forum also appreciated the ongoing relief efforts led by the Prime Minister and federating units.