Raddul Fasaad decided at PM House: Nawaz

ANKARA: Articulating the government’s determination to wipe out terrorists and extremists from the country, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said the decisions to launch countrywide military operation “Radul-Fasaad” and deployment of Rangers in the Punjab were taken at the Prime Minister House.

Condemning the Lahore blast while talking to the media, Nawaz said the government was determination to eliminate terrorism from the county root and branch. The prime minister welcomed the launch “Raddul-Fasaad”. 

The Punjab government later endorsed the decision about deployment of Rangers in the province in a high level meeting.  Nawaz announced that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket final and summit of Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) would take place according to the schedule.

He said work on development and progress of the county would continue undeterred.  The holding of the ECO summit in Pakistan is another success of the country and the confidence of the world. Ten leaders of Central Asian states will turn up for the historic summit.

“The cowardly attacks cannot shake the national resolve against terrorists. The government took the decision two and a half years ago to take on terrorism and extremism after due deliberations that has broken their backbone. The recent wave of terror is their remnants handiwork to attract the attention. The war against terrorism would continue till elimination of last terrorist from the face of country’s soil.” 

He regretted that the enemies of Pakistan could not digest the unprecedented development in the country and for the reason they were targeting soft targets. 

He said the fate changer China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was proving a great success. Power generation plants have started production and economy is showing impressive results. The stock exchange is reaching new heights and the enemies of Pakistan couldn’t swallow the progress. 

“The enemies want to subvert development in the country but they will not succeed in their nefarious designs.”  Nawaz endorsed the idea of regional solution to Afghan imbroglio as he had proposed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sometimes back. 

“Pakistan had been striving for stability in Afghanistan since it believes and wants peace and stability in Afghanistan that is vital for the progress and prosperity for the entire region. The stability and peace of the two countries are interlinked.” 

He didn’t rule out involvement of external hand in terror activities in Pakistan. To a query, he recalled that he had not made India bashing part of his election campaign unlike India where Pakistan bashing was made by some parties in electoral campaign.  He pleaded for having trade with India. 

“Pakistan wishes to live like a good neighbor. It is not a bad idea and I still believe in it. The people of Pakistan gave me mandate and I desire peaceful relations with all neighbours, including India. We should not even think that Pakistan and India can hatch conspiracies against each other.”

He said Afghan soil should not be used against Pakistan and the Afghan government should take necessary steps in this regard.  “Pakistan has complained to the Afghan government that its soil has been used for terrorism in Pakistan. I hope they would check it and take essential steps.”  

Nawaz said he had conveyed Pakistan’s gratitude to Turkey’s leadership for their supportive role on Kashmir and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).  China, Kazakhstan and Belarus also supported Pakistan’s and principal position in the NSG. 

“We are indebted to all the countries supporting Pakistan.”  He said Pakistan enjoyed good relations with the Central Asian countries and their leaders are coming to Pakistan for the ECO summit. Responding to yet another question, Nawaz said exporting manpower to foreign countries isn’t solution of unemployment. 

The government is trying to enhance production of electricity that would be available on cheaper rates. It will help industrialization and further investment in the country. The boost in trade, industry and generation of more opportunities for business are the answer for unemployment since Pakistan’s 60 percent population is under 30 year’s youth. The youngsters are capable and energetic part of the society. The government is trying to make the best possible use of their skill.”