PM Shehbaz reaffirms govt’s resolve to defeat terrorism through unified effort

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism through a united national effort, emphasizing that peace, stability and economic growth remain the state’s foremost priorities.

Presiding over a meeting of the Qaumi Paigham-e-Aman Committee (QPAC), the prime minister said the platform would serve as a key pillar in building a strong and unified national stance against extremism and militancy, much like the influential role played by religious scholars during the Pakistan Movement.

He recalled that the country was founded on the ideals of peace, justice and tolerance, and said Pakistan was now gradually progressing towards stability and prosperity.

Highlighting the country’s potential, PM Shehbaz said Allah Almighty had endowed Pakistan with immense natural wealth worth trillions of dollars, which, if properly explored and utilized, could help resolve long-standing issues such as poverty, unemployment and mounting debt.

He acknowledged that the challenge was formidable but stressed that success was possible through collective determination and unity.

Referring to recent events, the prime minister said Pakistan had proven its strength in May 2025 during Maareka-e-Haq by decisively defeating India. He attributed this success to the blessings of Allah Almighty and the professionalism of the armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.

While noting that the country was moving swiftly on the path of development, PM Shehbaz said terrorism continued to pose the gravest threat to national security. He pointed out that over 100,000 Pakistanis had laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism and said the international community must recognize these unprecedented sacrifices.

He also said Pakistan possessed credible evidence indicating foreign support for terrorist networks operating inside the country.

Expressing confidence in the nation’s resilience, the prime minister said Pakistan would once again overcome the menace of terrorism. He also acknowledged the constructive role played by minority communities in national progress and underlined the importance of interfaith harmony for lasting peace.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government would further strengthen efforts to counter terrorism by promoting a powerful national narrative based on peace and stability.

He said QPAC members would travel across the country to spread the message of harmony and challenge narratives driven by hatred.

The information minister also announced that a two-day conference would be held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing together religious scholars from all schools of thought to foster unity and discourage extremism.

Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman and QPAC Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said committee members would visit areas affected by terrorism, engage with local populations, religious leaders and the armed forces, and act as frontline ambassadors of peace.

Participants of the meeting, including religious scholars from various sects and representatives of minority communities, voiced full support for the government’s initiative.

They unanimously declared terrorists and Khawarij as enemies of the state and stressed the need to counter anti-state narratives, particularly through positive engagement and guidance of the youth.

They said the QPAC symbolized national unity and would play a vital role in promoting peace, harmony and stability throughout the country.