Nawaz Sharif vows to target all terror groups

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today vowed to target all terror groups irrespective of their agenda and affiliation, in the wake of the Peshawar school massacre that left 148 people dead, mostly students.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a Chinese delegation here, Radio Pakistan reported.

During the meeting, Sharif told the delegation that the military Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' to flush out terrorists from the North Waziristan has produced very positive results.

He said all terror groups would be targeted irrespective of their agenda and affiliation.

The Prime Minister said friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

"Solid foundation of our time-tested and all-weather friendship is based on strong bilateral trust, excellent cooperation and unanimity of views on regional and global issues," Sharif said.

He said institutional exchanges between the parliamentarians are imperative to further promote bilateral friendship.

The prime minister regretted postponement of President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan in September and said the people of his country are eagerly looking forward to welcoming him.

Leader of the Chinese delegation Chen Fengxiang expressed sympathy with the bereaved families of Peshawar massacre and extended his country's full support to government of Pakistan.

Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said security forces are taking all possible steps to eradicate terrorism.

Talking to a private TV channel, he said strict action will be taken against facilitators and abettors of terrorists.

To a question about joint working of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the defense minister said both the countries need to work together to uproot terrorism.

All political parties are unanimous to eliminate terrorism in the country, he said in response to a question.