Pakistan must eliminate terrorism: Nawaz Sharif

KARACHI: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that terrorism was a menace and it must be eliminated once and for all from the country.

Sharif, who arrived here with Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif to review the security situation, chaired a meeting of the provincial apex committee responsible for implementation of the anti-terror National Action Plan in Sindh province.

Prime Minister Sharif said the country needs to get rid of the menace of terrorism once and for all and warned that failing in the operation against terrorists is not an option.

The meeting was attended by Gen Sharif, Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, DG Rangers Bilal Akber, security agencies officials, Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, former president Asif Ali Zardari and members of the provincial cabinet.

According to reports, Gen Sharif said that Karachi had played a great role in the country's formative years and continues to play a role in our economy.

He said peace in Pakistan's financial capital Karachi means prosperity for the country.

He said the clean-up operation in Karachi should be without any discrimination against all criminals regardless of ethnic, political, religious and sectarian affinity.

The army chief was also quoted as saying that better coordination between Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Intelligence agencies was mandatory.

He said police needs to be empowered as an apolitical, effective force. He also said that postings in police should be made without any interference.