Karachi operation will continue to proceed forward: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired the meeting of the federal cabinet on Monday where several issues including the operation in Karachi came under discussion.

In his address the prime minister emphasised that the operation in Karachi was only against criminal elements and it was being praised not only by the residents of the metropolis but by everyone. “The operation will be taken forward and it will yield positive results,” Prime Minister Sharif said.

The prime minister went on to say the situation in Karachi had improved as a result of the operation and peace would be restored in the city.

“There will be an operation against sectarianism with the same determination as the Karachi operation,” he said.

The prime minister spoke on governments determination to act against terrorism and how there had been no such example of this in history. “The government is determined to eliminate militancy,” he said.

PM Sharif said that the action against terrorism would continue and would not be deterred by the response of terrorists. He praised the role of the armed forces and said Army Chief General Raheel Sharif would visit areas were the operation was being conducted to boost the morale of troops. He added that the Air Chief was leading missions in the operation himself.

He further said military courts were formed with consensus and validated by the Supreme Court.


Cabinet briefed on cancelation of NSA talks

During the meeting Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz briefed the cabinet on the cancellation of Pakistan-India National Security Advisor (NSA) level talks. According to the briefing it was Pakistan’s stance that holding talks with India on an agenda of their choice was not beneficial.

Sartaj Aziz said Indian dictation is unacceptable and Pakistan would not back down on its stance on Kashmir. Pakistan is prepared to discuss Kashmir and all outstanding issues with any preconditions, the cabinet was told.

The cabinet expressed concern over India setting preconditions for the talks and their cancellation.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the cabinet on the National Action Plan (NAP). The interior minister informed cabinet members about steps taken and the government’s future course of action.