PM, COAS review internal, external threat spectrum

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Thursday attended a high-level security meeting at the headquarters of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), they reviewed the entire internal and external threat spectrum including terrorist networks and their linkages.

“The role of hostile (foreign) intelligence agencies and their collaborators in fomenting instability in Pakistan and undermining Pakistan’s interests was discussed in detail. Management of Pak-Afghan border including way forward was also discussed during the meeting,” it added.

The army chief emphasized that terrorists were externally funded and internally facilitated. He also underscored the need for continued efforts across the country in consolidating gains made in operation Zarb-e-Azab and ongoing intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to ensure a permanent and sustainable peace in the country.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif highly appreciated the efforts and achievements of Army and intelligence agencies in achieving major breakthroughs and bringing a noticeable change in the security environment of the country.

The premier also paid tributes to the valiant officers and men of Army and intelligence agencies, who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. He said the entire nation was truly proud of its premier intelligence agency, its officers and men who have countless successes on their name which truly merit due recognition and acknowledgement.

PM Nawaz reiterated that the government and the nation stand behind its armed forces and intelligence agencies in the fight and expressed the resolve that “we will collectively defeat all designs of our enemies to make Pakistan a secure and prosperous country”.

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and National Security Advisor Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua also accompanied the prime minister.