Attempts aimed at spreading chaos in Pakistan will be crushed: PM Shehbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the state would not surrender to any terrorist group or organization and vowed that militants would be dealt with according to the constitution and law.

Strongly condemning the activities of terrorists in Bannu and other areas, he said such attempts aimed at spreading chaos in Pakistan would be crushed.

PM Sharif termed terrorism a crucial issue of national security, which required collective thinking and a plan of action. He said that the federal government would eliminate the facilitators and hideouts of the terrorists.

The entire nation, he said, would eradicate terrorism side by side with the country’s brave armed forces.

The prime minister paid tribute to the valour and determination of the country’s armed forces fighting against terrorism. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the authorities concerned to provide them best treatment facilities.

Shehbaz Sharif said: “We will not let the sacrifices of the martyrs go to waste. Great sacrifices of the personnel of armed forces, police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies are unforgettable."

The prime minister said that though main responsibility for law and order lies with the provinces, but the federation could not turn a blind eye to the problems.

He assured that the provinces to work along with them in fighting terrorism and vowed to fully implement the National Action Plan to eliminate terrorism. He emphasized enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the provincial governments as crucial in this regard.

Shehbaz said that the federal government would assist the provinces in improving the professional capacity of anti-terrorism force and departments. He said that restructuring of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s counter-terrorism department would be carried out and all the requirements pertaining to modern weapons and professional training would be ensured.