Hardening the state multi-faceted strategy adopted in war against terror: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday said that Pakistan has adopted a multi-dimensional strategy in the war against terrorism.

Chairing a review meeting of the Steering Committee on Counterterrorism and Harden the State, the prime minister said the state of Pakistan is committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism at its roots, and the world acknowledges Pakistan’s successful operations against terrorists.

He said a peaceful and terrorism-free strong state structure is essential for restoring investors’ confidence at the international level. He mentioned that the government has introduced revolutionary reforms such as full digitisation of systems and improvement in the tax system in order to restore investors’ confidence.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, all provincial chief secretaries, inspectors general and other government officials concerned attended the meeting.

The prime minister highlighted that ground operations, relevant legislation, meaningful public engagement and discouragement of extremist ideologies have all been effectively utilised.

He directed the committee to ensure effective coordination between the federal and the provincial governments and strictly implement its recommendations.

Shehbaz also commended the role of brave soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces in the war against terrorism. He said the entire nation, including the families of officers and personnel who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, takes pride in their bravery and selflessness. He said the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan and law enforcement and intelligence agencies are united and resolute in the fight against terrorism. The prime minister said the Pakistan Armed Forces valiantly confronted terrorists through operations Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb, and the recent historic battle of Ma’arka-e-Haq was recognised globally as Pakistan’s victory. He acknowledged the effective steps taken by the provincial governments, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Interior, Counter-Terrorism Departments, especially Punjab’s CTD, against terrorism. He said Pakistan is working on a comprehensive, effective and actionable strategy for the complete elimination of anti-social elements, including Fitna al-Hindustan and Khwaraij.

Meanwhile, the prime minister lauded Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari for his pivotal role in energy sector reforms, called his performance a turning point in the nation’s journey toward economic resilience and energy security.

In a formal letter addressed to the minister, the prime minister extended heartfelt appreciation for Leghari’s efforts in reducing the circular debt by Rs780 billion, bringing the total stock down to Rs1,614 billion. He termed the achievement “Herculean,” highlighting the complex institutional coordination it required.

The letter also praised Leghari’s decisive role in renegotiating Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with over 35 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including the complete termination of six costly contracts. These reforms, the prime minister noted, have led to an estimated national saving of Rs3.6 trillion, an unprecedented fiscal gain. He underscored the Rs8.35 per unit reduction in power tariffs compared to the previous year, which has delivered substantial relief to households while also stimulating industrial growth.