The economic advancement of the country hinges on achieving “complete peace,” especially in light of security challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz said on Thursday.

“Economic development is directly linked with political stability as the strength of a country’s economy was deeply rooted in its political framework,” he said during a meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Islamabad.

Pakistan has seen a rise in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The increase in attacks follows the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire agreement with the banned Fitna Al Khawarij.

An annual security report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies revealed that 2024 has become the deadliest year for Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in a decade, with at least 685 security personnel losing their lives amid a total of 444 terror attacks.

“Security has become a major challenge today, and we cannot progress without decisively tackling terrorism,” he stated.

The prime minister also underscored the importance of honouring the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers from the army, law enforcement agencies, and police, who risk their lives to safeguard the nation.

“This is the ultimate sacrifice that we must recognise, and we need to inform the public that terrorism is on the rise once more,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the SIFC’s 11th Apex Committee meeting. Chief of the Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, federal cabinet members, provincial chief ministers, the AJK prime minister, Gilgit Baltistan chief minister and government officials attended the meeting.

The Apex Committee secretary briefed the forum about the strategic focus, initiatives and contributions of SIFC to support the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-2029 ‘Uraan Pakistan’. The committee showed satisfaction in improving the macroeconomic conditions of the country while emphasising the importance of collective efforts for ensuring unhindered economic growth and passing on the dividends to the masses.

The committee approved the action plan for the optimisation of SEZs to rejuvenate the industrial landscape of Pakistan. The committee also reviewed the proposal for a national minerals harmonisation framework with the due consent of all stakeholders. Forum was briefed on various initiatives in the domain of HRD, enabling the improvement of skills and global standard accreditation. Chief ministers also shared the initiatives in each province which would spur economic growth.

COAS Munir assured the Pakistan Army’s support to the government’s initiatives for economic stability ensuring peace and security.

In the end, the PM appreciated the role of SIFC, ministries, departments and affiliated stakeholders in setting the tone for future activities during 2025. He also emphasised the importance of collective efforts at all tiers in the larger interest of the country.