Pakistan’s national political and military leadership has decided to deal with terrorists with an iron hand, as announced in a joint communiqué issued after a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif read out the communiqué, which was unanimously approved by the parliamentary committee.

The NSC meeting, held at Parliament House, lasted nearly six hours and was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

It was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, military leadership, and intelligence agency heads. Other key political figures, including Bilawal Bhutto, cabinet members, chief ministers, and governors, were also present.

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However, opposition members and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were notably absent.

During the in-camera session, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir delivered a 50-minute briefing, followed by additional insights from the Director General of Military Operations. The discussion focused on the country’s security situation and counterterrorism strategies, emphasizing the need for a unified response.

The communiqué strongly condemned the recent wave of terrorism and expressed solidarity with the affected families. It commended the bravery and professionalism of security forces and law enforcement agencies in their counterterrorism operations, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms.

The committee emphasised the need for a strategic and unified political stance to tackle the menace, calling for the full force of the state to be utilised.

The parliamentary committee stressed the importance of immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and the Azm-e-Istahkam strategy to dismantle terrorist networks, curb logistical support, and break the nexus between terrorism and organised crime.

Concern was raised over the increasing misuse of social media platforms by terrorist groups for propaganda, recruitment, and coordination of attacks, with a call for strict preventive measures.

The committee urged the government to establish mechanisms to disrupt terrorists’ digital networks and prevent their online influence.

Reaffirming its unwavering support for the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, the committee acknowledged their sacrifices and commitment to national defence. It underscored that the nation stands firmly with them in the fight against terrorism.

The leadership reiterated that no entity, individual, or group collaborating with hostile forces would be allowed to destabilise Pakistan’s peace and security.

The absence of certain opposition members from the meeting was noted with regret, but the committee affirmed that consultations on security matters would continue.

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for national unity and decisive action to counter-terrorism, ensuring the country’s long-term stability and security.

Inside the meeting

The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the participants and highlighted that the meeting aimed to review the overall security situation, urging attendees to share their recommendations.

The military leadership then delivered a detailed briefing, followed by a Q&A session where parliamentarians raised their concerns.

Military officials’ briefing

According to sources, military officials provided a comprehensive briefing on intelligence-based operations currently underway across the country. They also elaborated on ongoing actions against extremist elements.

Officials informed the committee about the presence of militant leadership in Afghanistan and detailed cross-border terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil.

They also provided insights into the security situation in newly merged districts and the underlying causes of recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan.

The briefing included information on foreign support received by banned outfits, highlighting external influences in domestic security matters. Following the DGMO’s presentation, the Army Chief delivered a 50-minute briefing.

After a 15-minute break for Zuhr prayers, the parliamentary committee resumed its session, continuing with discussions and a Q&A session.

Sources reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also addressed the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the nation’s unified stance against terrorism, vowing to eradicate it at all costs.

“I pay tribute to the sacrifices of our security forces. The political leadership stands united on national security matters,” he said, expressing gratitude to the military leadership, particularly the Army Chief.

The premier assured that the country’s economic trajectory was improving and that maintaining security was a top priority.

“There is no place for terrorism on Pakistani soil,” he declared, vowing to pursue the matter through Parliament and ensure a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy.

Absence of opposition members and key figures

The session saw a notable absence of opposition leaders, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser, Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Aamir Dogar.

Other absentees included Sanaullah Masti Khel, Ali Muhammad Khan, Zubair Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz, Senator Ali Zafar, Senator Humayun Mohmand, and Senator Aun Abbas. Prominent figures like Raja Nasir Abbas, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, and Akhtar Mengal were also missing.

Key attendees

Among those present were COAS General Asim Munir, DGMI, DG ISI, and DGMO, along with political figures such as Bilawal Bhutto, Rana Sanaullah, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Amir Maqam, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab Governor. Federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Aleem Khan also participated.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Faisal Vawda, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori were also in attendance.

Parliament Hall designated as a chamber for the session

A resolution to designate the National Assembly Hall as a chamber for the meeting was passed a day prior, presented by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The session was rescheduled to accommodate the holy month of Ramadan.

Strict security measures in place

Strict security measures were enforced around Parliament House. Unrelated individuals were barred from entering the premises, and mobile phones were prohibited within the hall. Security agencies were on high alert to prevent any disruptions during the meeting.