NSC resolves to launch comprehensive new operation against militants

The National Security Committee (NSC) Friday decided to kick start an all-out comprehensive new operation against militant outfits to root out the menace of terrorism from the country.

The development came after a two-hour-long NSC — the country's top security body comprising civil and military leadership — meeting, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, a statement from the PM's Office said. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) General Shamshad Mirza, federal ministers for defence, finance and information, and senior military leadership were in attendance.

Today's gathering was held in continuation with the NSC meeting after the terrorist attack on January 2, 2023, in Peshawar Police Lines, which claimed the lives of more than 80 people, mainly law enforcers.

"The meeting agreed to launch an all-out comprehensive operation — with renewed vigour and determination — with the [help] of the entire nation and the government, which will rid the country of the menace of terrorism," the statement mentioned.

This all-around and comprehensive operation to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms from Pakistan will also include efforts at the political, diplomatic, security, economic, and social apparatus.

A high-level committee has also been formed in this regard and will make recommendations regarding its implementation and limitations within two weeks, the statement said.

The committee termed the recent spate of terrorism as the result of a soft corner and reckless policy with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which was completely contrary to public expectations and aspirations.

The terrorists, as a result, were not only allowed to return without hindrance but dangerous TTP terrorists were also released from jails in the name of confidence building, the statement mentioned.

As a result of the facilitation given by these dangerous returning terrorists and various militant organisations present in large numbers in Afghanistan, peace and stability in the country were dispersed.

The meeting emphasised comprehensive national security in which the relief of the people was central. "The forum was informed that the government was taking steps in this regard."

The meeting acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of the security forces for providing lasting peace to the nation. The forum reiterated its commitment to continue its activities till terrorism is rooted out.

The committee strongly condemned the efforts to spread foreign-sponsored poisonous propaganda against state institutions and their leadership on social media under the guise of ulterior motives and division of growing hatred in the society and said it affects national security.

Reiterating the determination to thwart the nefarious intentions of the enemies of the country, the committee said that all possible efforts will be made to maintain the peace and order achieved by the great sacrifices and continuous efforts of the martyrs.

In the meeting, the successful operation in which an intelligence agency arrested one of the most wanted terrorists — Gulzar Imam alias Shambay — was greatly appreciated.

Shambay is a hardcore militant as well as the founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA) which came into being after the amalgamation of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).

BNA had been responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including attacks on law enforcement agencies (LEAs) installations in Panjgur and Noshki, according to the military