Nawaz Sharif vows to defeat extremism and terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today underlined the need for national unity to defeat the extremist ideology and said his government will ensure sanctity of life irrespective of cast, creed and religion.

Sharif made these comments while addressing a meeting on counter-terrorism here at the PM's House attended by Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, army chief General Raheel Sharif and senior officials including ISI chief, DGMO, Military Intelligence officials.

"Every citizen of the country, irrespective of his caste, sect or faith, will be protected. No cause is holier than protecting the life and property of every citizen of Pakistan," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the nations cannot forget or forgive the atrocities committed by these barbarians in Peshawar, Quetta and Wagha.

He stressed on the need for national unity to defeat the terrorist and extremist ideology, which, he said, will be defeated at all costs.

Sharif also said sacrifices given by the people of Pakistan, including our security forces, are un-parallelled in this war and the blood of martyrs will not go in vain.

The meeting also reviewed progress on operation Zarb-e-Azb going on in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal region and discussed modalities of national action plan on counter terrorism and extremism.

The participants resolved to ensure swift and effective implementation of the approved action plan to deal with militancy.

Various short and medium term steps required for eliminating terror networks in every nook and corner of the country also came under discussion.

The Prime Minister also said that operation Zarb-e-Azb will continue till the last terrorist is eliminated.

He also said no distinction will be made between those who have committed the acts of terror and those who harbour, facilitate and finance them.

The meeting was part of process to prepare a national action plan to permanently root out militancy from Pakistan.