Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating the banned Fitna al Khawari, previously known as TTP, to foster socio-economic progress in the country.

“The agenda of Pakistan’s progress and prosperity that we discussed yesterday can only be [realised] when all of us not only improve law and order across Pakistan but also the time has come to completely wipe out the TTP,” he said while addressing the National Action Plan apex committee in Islamabad on Friday.

The South Asian country has seen a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The year 2024 has emerged as one of the deadliest periods for Pakistan’s civil and military security forces, with at least 685 personnel losing their lives in a total of 444 terrorist incidents.

The overall death toll, which includes both civilians and security forces, reached 1,612, representing over 63% of the total fatalities recorded last year. This marks a staggering 73% increase in losses compared to the 934 militants eliminated. The fatalities documented in 2024 are the highest in nine years, surpassing the figures from 2023 by over 66%. On average, nearly seven lives were claimed each day.

The government faces mounting pressure to address the escalating threat posed by the outlawed group and restore peace in the affected regions.

PM Shehbaz urged collaboration among the federal government, provincial authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy in partnership with security forces. He expressed confidence that through unity in thought and action, the government would implement such plans to tackle the challenges facing the nation.

He acknowledged the presence of terrorist elements, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, who aim to disrupt peace. The premier highlighted the “external support” such groups receive.

In response to recent skirmishes with Afghan forces along the border, PM Shehbaz stated that a “befitting response” was delivered.

In July, the government designated the TTP as Fitna al Khawarij and instructed all institutions to refer to those responsible for terrorist acts against Pakistan as “khariji” (outcast).

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PM Shehbaz also highlighted the need to confront the rising issue of misinformation and disinformation on digital media platforms, asserting that addressing the challenge was “crucial for eradicating terrorism and extremism in the country.”

He claimed that social media was being used by certain foreign elements to disseminate harmful narratives against Pakistan, complicating the nation’s image. PM Shehbaz emphasised that distorted facts and manipulated realities on social media are raising questions that undermine the state’s reputation.

“If we don’t counter this challenge, all efforts [to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the country] will go to waste,” he said, expressing confidence that the government would overcome such challenges.