ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism through a comprehensive and coordinated strategy targeting groups labelled as Fitna-al-Khawarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, and other proscribed outfits.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Steering Committee on Counter-Terrorism and Establishment of State Writ at the Prime Minister House, the premier said the state was fully determined to eliminate all forms of militancy and restore lasting peace in the country.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Asim Malik, PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah, as well as the chief secretaries and police chiefs of the provinces, cabinet ministers and senior officials.
“Pakistan is implementing an effective and workable strategy to root out the Fitna-al-Khawarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan and similar anti-state elements,” the Prime Minister’s Office quoted Shehbaz as saying.
He added that the government’s strategy involved multiple fronts, including legislation, targeted military operations, improved public messaging, and curbing extremist narratives. The prime minister instructed federal and provincial authorities to ensure close coordination in counter-terror efforts and strictly act on the committee’s recommendations.
PM Shehbaz praised the role of the armed forces, intelligence agencies, police, and provincial administrations in combating militancy. He said joint actions had led to effective anti-smuggling operations, which also contributed to stabilising the national economy.
Emphasising that only a peaceful and secure state structure could inspire investor confidence, Shehbaz highlighted government reforms such as digitisation and improvements in the tax system. He pointed to the record rise in the Pakistan Stock Exchange index and the country’s upgraded global financial ratings as signs of economic recovery.
The prime minister also noted that the repatriation process of illegal Afghan residents was progressing in line with international norms and had strengthened border controls.
The rise in terrorism incidents since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire in late 2022 has prompted the government to label the group as Fitna-al-Khawarij, while attributing Balochistan-based unrest to Fitna-al-Hindustan — in reference to India’s alleged involvement in sponsoring violence within Pakistan.
A day earlier, COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir had echoed the government’s resolve, reiterating the army’s firm commitment to eliminating terrorism. Speaking at the 16th National Workshop in Balochistan, he underscored the importance of economic development in the province for fostering national unity.
“The Pakistan Army remains fully committed to eradicating terrorism and advancing the socio-economic uplift of Balochistan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had quoted him as saying.
