PM Shehbaz reaffirms govt's resolve to eliminate terrorism

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan were united in their determination to eliminate terrorism from the country, declaring that the government and the armed forces would take all possible steps to crush the violence being orchestrated from across the border.

Speaking at the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he recounted recent incidents in which Pakistan Army officers and soldiers embraced martyrdom during operations against militants of Fitna al-Khawarij. 

The prime minister said he, along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior military officials, attended the funeral prayers of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat, who were among the eleven soldiers who lost their lives while fighting terrorists in Orakzai. 

He added that Lt Col Junaid demonstrated exceptional courage, leading an operation that resulted in the elimination of nineteen terrorists.

PM Shehbaz said that Major Sibtain Haider also embraced martyrdom in another operation against the same group. 

He shared that during his conversation with the families of the martyrs, their parents expressed pride in their sons’ sacrifice for the nation, saying they were content that their children had given their lives for Pakistan.

The premier paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the armed forces, saying that officers and soldiers were sacrificing their lives daily to ensure the safety of future generations. 

He remarked that the martyrs were leaving behind their children as orphans while saving the nation’s future. 

PM Shehbaz noted that facilitators were providing shelter to terrorists coming from across the border and asserted that such elements would not be spared.

The prime minister said the situation had reached a critical stage and that the terrorists’ actions would be met with full force. 

He emphasized that the blood of the martyrs had drawn a line of defense for the country, one that could never be crossed. 

PM Shehbaz vowed that their sacrifices would always be remembered and said that Pakistan’s achievements in the fields of economy and diplomacy would mean nothing if terrorism was not completely eradicated.

Referring to his engagements during the recent session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he said Pakistan had maintained a consistent stance on the Palestine issue for the last seventy-seven years. 

He reiterated that Pakistan has always demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supported the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

The prime minister said Pakistan was among eight Islamic nations whose leaders met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the Palestine issue. The meeting resulted in a joint statement condemning Israel’s genocide and calling for a ceasefire. 

He added that he had thanked President Trump for playing a vital role in preventing a war between Pakistan and India.

Speaking about recent diplomatic progress, PM Shehbaz referred to the peace deal reached between Hamas and Israel, saying President Trump had assured that the West Bank would not be annexed by Israel. 

Commending Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his team for their diplomatic efforts, he said Pakistan’s global standing had significantly improved as a result of their work.

PM Shehbaz said the respect Pakistan enjoyed internationally had increased after its armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, successfully countered Indian aggression. He described his recent meeting with President Trump in Washington as highly productive, noting that both sides discussed a range of issues including trade and counterterrorism cooperation.

He said that China remained Pakistan’s most trusted and dependable ally, always standing by the country in difficult times. He also highlighted Pakistan’s deep-rooted and historic relationship with Saudi Arabia, which had been further strengthened through the signing of a new security agreement. He mentioned that a special committee was now working on the implementation of that agreement.

The prime minister expressed appreciation for his cabinet colleagues for resolving issues in Azad Kashmir and also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the warm hospitality extended during his recent visit. During that visit, Malaysia announced its decision to import meat worth 200 million dollars from Pakistan.

Concluding his remarks, PM Shehbaz praised the efforts of his cabinet members and government officers in advancing Pakistan’s development. He referred to a Bloomberg report ranking Pakistan as the second-best emerging economy in the world after Turkey. 

The prime minister also expressed satisfaction over the rise in remittances from overseas Pakistanis, which reached $3.2 billion in September 2025, marking an increase of 11.3 percent compared with the same period last year.