NSC expresses resolve to ensure country’s defense

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, expressed resolve to ensure defense of the country at any cost with full support of the nation. Internal and external security situation of the country with particular reference to the situation on the Line of Control (LoC) and operational preparedness of the armed forces were reviewed in detail during the meeting. The committee expressed complete satisfaction over operational preparedness of the valiant armed forces. Referring to recent propaganda and false claims of surgical strikes made by India, the forum concluded that India should resolve the long standing issue of Kashmir for enduring peace in the region, instead of such futile efforts of diverting attention of the world. India must stop atrocities in Kashmir and recognize the just and legitimate struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. The participants of the meeting noted that Pakistan is effectively fighting terrorism and has made phenomenal progresses in war against terrorism. “Escalation on LoC and the eastern borders will shift Pakistan's focus away from its efforts to eliminate terrorism from our soil at a critical stage and is detrimental to the successes made by Pakistan in war on terror. Nevertheless, Pakistani nation and its Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to any threats,” the meeting asserted. Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) are struggling for their inalienable right to self determination guaranteed by the UNSC resolutions, which cannot be suppressed through brutal oppression by Indian security forces. He said, “It is imperative that the United Nations and other countries fulfill their longstanding commitment to the innocent and defenseless people of IOK. Pakistan and Kashmir are inseparable, and we will continue to extend our moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri people at every forum.” The prime minister further said that Pakistan does not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in peace and collective betterment. However, our quest for peace must not be mistaken as a sign of weakness. Our armed forces are fully capable of thwarting any kind of threat to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers of Defense, Interior, Finance, Information, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, three Services Chiefs and National Security Advisor. The four chief ministers, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, ISI DG, Military Operations DG and National Security Division secretary also participated in the meeting on special invitation.