Government Vows to Intensify Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the government’s commitment to persist in the battle against terrorism, highlighting that Pakistan’s adversaries are wary of its economic achievements.

“Our struggle to eradicate terrorism from the nation will persist. We will inflict such a severe defeat on terrorists that they will never dare to cast an evil eye on Pakistan again,” the prime minister stated during a high-level assembly focused on law and order within the federal capital.

The session saw the participation of federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Attaullah Tarar.

Advisor to PM Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Barrister Saif, Gilgit-Baltistan Interior Minister Shamsul Haq Lone, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interior Minister Col (Retd) Waqar Noon were also in attendance, alongside chief secretaries and inspectors general of police representing all provinces.

Notably, the chief commissioner of Islamabad was absent from the meeting.

Recognizing the dedicated efforts and impactful actions implemented by institutions and provinces to combat terrorism, the Prime Minister assured complete federal support to enhance the capabilities of all provinces in this domain.

He urged for unity, encouraging collaborative work to eliminate terrorism. He also acknowledged the bravery of security personnel and officers who confront terrorists and sacrifice their lives.

PM Shehbaz directed all institutions to amplify their measures against smuggling and tighten restrictions on human trafficking networks to ensure justice for traffickers.

He pushed for the swift completion of Safe City projects in major urban areas and commended the cooperative endeavors of federal and provincial administrations to advance a counter-terrorism message.

During the briefing, officials reported the establishment of a joint National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre operating under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

It was disclosed that the ‘Safe City’ project is currently active in 10 cities across Punjab, with ongoing implementation in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Nawabshah.

Approval has been granted for Peshawar, with plans to extend the project to Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat in the subsequent phase.

Furthermore, attendees were informed that the Gwadar Safe City project is nearing completion, and similar initiatives are slated for implementation in major cities along National Highways N-25 and N-40.

In parallel, digital enforcement stations are being established on various highways and bridges to suppress smuggling activities.

Federal and provincial authorities are undertaking actions to eliminate unauthorized constructions surrounding major urban centers, alongside an ongoing crackdown against begging networks nationwide, with steps in motion to restrict their international travel.

Additionally, participants were informed about the establishment of a Forensic Science Agency in Islamabad, and ongoing upgrades to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.