Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that provincial governments cannot shirk their responsibilities by relying solely on the army for security. Addressing a meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) Apex Committee, he highlighted that leaving the state’s security solely to one institution would be a grave mistake. He called for a collective effort from all stakeholders to combat terrorism effectively.
Complexities of Terrorism and the Need for Rule of Law
Shehbaz Sharif underscored the complexity of the terrorism issue, asserting that stability and the rule of law are essential for the sustainable development of Pakistan. “It is my responsibility, and indeed all of ours, to enforce the rule of law against terrorism,” he stated, emphasizing that combating terrorism is the primary duty of all state institutions.
He pointed out that sustainable development is unattainable without a comprehensive system in place. The Prime Minister expressed his expectation that provincial governments will exert their utmost efforts against terrorism, working collaboratively to eradicate this menace. He also called for a unified stance from political and religious leaders, asserting, “For the war against terrorism, our political and religious leadership must be completely clear.”
A National Responsibility
Sharif stressed that the war against terrorism is Pakistan’s own fight, not one imposed by external forces. He highlighted the need for collective responsibility, warning that it would be a significant mistake to place the burden solely on one organization. He criticized the tendency of provincial governments to offload their security responsibilities onto the army, asserting that this approach undermines the state’s overall security framework. “The state cannot gain the confidence of investors if we fail to coordinate all elements of power,” he warned.
Federal Government’s Role and Active Diplomacy
The Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government bears the expenses of the army’s anti-terrorism operations. He promised to strengthen governmental authority through new legislation and to ensure that all necessary resources are provided for the fight against terrorism. “Enforcing the state’s effectiveness with full force is our common responsibility,” he declared, adding that a stable economy is impossible in a state plagued by terrorism.
Addressing Social Discord and Misinformation
Shehbaz Sharif also touched on the negative campaign regarding his recent visit to China, stressing the importance of countering efforts to tarnish the national narrative. He pointed out that Pakistan’s enemies have infiltrated social spaces with toxic narratives. “We need to make laws that can eliminate hate speech and ensure that misinformation and lies do not obscure the truth,” he said. He emphasized that abusing freedom of expression and violating the constitution are serious crimes that need stringent legal measures.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need for active diplomacy with regional countries to bolster the fight against terrorism. He called for the strengthening of law enforcement agencies through legislation and assured that the government would meet the army’s needs in the anti-terrorism fight. “Our goal is to ensure the state’s effectiveness and to create a secure environment conducive to economic growth,” he stated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to combat terrorism in Pakistan. By calling for collective responsibility and enhanced coordination among all state institutions, he stressed that the fight against terrorism is a national imperative. His emphasis on the rule of law, active diplomacy, and legislation to counter hate speech and misinformation underscores the comprehensive strategy required to ensure Pakistan’s stability and security.
