NSC calls for 'long-term' strategy against terrorism and extremism
10 August, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The National Security Conference held on Saturday, under the chair of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, stressed the need for evolving a long-term strategy to eliminate terrorism and address extremism.
The meeting, attended by heads and representatives of all major political parties in the National Assembly and the military leadership, was held at the PM's House.
Director General Military Operations Major General Amir Riaz briefed the political leadership on the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb and the status of objectives achieved so far, said a press release issued by the PM Office.
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, ISI DG Lt Gen Muhammad Zahirul Islam, MO DG Major General Amir Riaz and ISPR DG Maj General Asim Saleem Bajwa also attended the conference.
The participants of the conference were informed about the areas cleared by the armed forces during the operation. The conference was also told that terrorists were on the run and their command and control system had been crippled.
The meeting was told that to handle the blowback of the army operation, requisite legal and constitutional cover had been given to the Pakistan Army wherever it was required. It was noted that the whole nation, including political parties, had rejected terrorists and their ideology.
Representatives of all political and religious parties agreed that the State has to fight and eliminate militancy. The meeting paid tribute to the valiant armed forces for successful operation and their achievements so far. Tribute was also paid to brave tribal brethren for their sacrifices and love for the country.
The meeting was apprised that through coordinated efforts of the armed forces, financing of terror outfits was being blocked. It was also stated that adequate resources were being mobilised for the management of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and that they would not be abandoned at any cost. The participants were informed that the government had also planned a comprehensive strategy for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the IDPs.
It was informed that the stated policy of the armed forces during Zarb-e-Azb was to avoid collateral damage and to protect the life and property of innocent civilians. The need for capacity building of LEAs and greater coordination to deny terrorists entry in the mainland was also stressed.
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