Civil-military huddle urges unanimous political will to defeat terrorism with ‘full might’: Army chief calls for making Pakistan ‘hard state’

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Tuesday emphasized the need for better governance and transforming Pakistan into a ‘hard state’, questioning for how long the nation would continue to make innumerable sacrifices in the name of a ‘soft state.’

“For how long will we continue to fill the gaps of governance with the blood of our armed forces and martyrs?” he asked while addressing an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. He added that the ongoing struggle is a war for the existence of present and future generations.

The committee meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of the parliamentary committee, political leaders, the Army Chief, director generals of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), key federal ministers and senior officials from the military and intelligence agencies. Notably, the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Akhtar Mengal opted to stay away from the meeting, which was convened on the prime minister’s advice following the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express.

General Asim Munir called for all elements of national strength to act in complete harmony for the country’s stability, stating that no agenda, movement or personality is more important than national security. “There is no agenda, movement or personality bigger and more important than national security. All elements of national strength must act with complete harmony for the country’s lasting stability,” he said.

The COAS stressed the need for a consensus narrative to defend and protect Pakistan, urging stakeholders to rise above personal and political differences. “Nothing is more important than the country’s security. Our existence is tied to the country,” he said.

General Asim Munir asked Ulema to expose the real face of Khwarij who try to present a distorted face of Islam.

He also noted that those who believe Pakistan can be weakened through terrorism are mistaken, adding that the designs of their facilitators would be foiled through unity. “We have complete faith in Allah Almighty that, whatever the circumstances, we shall succeed, InshaAllah,” he maintained.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the absence of the opposition from a crucial national-level meeting regrettable. He called it an irresponsible attitude.

He stated that the opposition’s failure to attend the meeting is tantamount to shirking national responsibilities, which are a sacred trust of the nation. He emphasized that everyone must unite to combat terrorism.

He highlighted that the families of military personnel who sacrificed their lives for the country’s protection are looking up to us.

The prime minister recalled the sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto, the Bilour family, Mufti Naeemi, and hundreds of other prominent figures in the fight against terrorism.

Shehbaz mentioned that after the tragic Army Public School incident in December 2014, his leader Nawaz Sharif united the entire nation. Together, the nation eradicated the scourge of terrorism from its roots. The armed forces, law enforcement agencies, security agencies, politicians and Pakistani citizens wrote a tale of unparalleled sacrifices.

He noted that over the past two decades, Pakistan’s economy suffered losses exceeding $150 billion due to the war on terrorism. However, due to these sacrifices, peace was restored, the economy revived, and the country’s prosperity returned. The incompetent government formed in 2018 squandered the gains made in the fight against terrorism and halted the implementation of the National Action Plan. The entire nation is now paying the price for this policy.

He stated that Pakistan stands at a decisive juncture today. He emphasized the need to reaffirm our iron resolve to uproot terrorism once again. The real target of terrorists is the unity of the people.

Referring to the recent tragic terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express, the prime minister praised the professionalism of the military personnel and officers who saved hundreds of lives. He paid tribute to the leadership of the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, and all law enforcement agencies.

The prime minister asserted that the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies are thwarting the nefarious designs of anti-state elements. “Today’s decisive moment demands that we ask who stands with whom. The 250 million people of Pakistan stand with the defenders of the nation, the armed forces, and law enforcement agencies. Those who do not stand with the country, the nation, the armed forces and the martyrs and wounded are allies of terrorists.”

He condemned the malicious attempts to create a rift between the military and the public through hateful propaganda on social media. However, the military and the people are one, and the conspiracies to divide them have never succeeded in the past and will not succeed in the future.

The prime minister vowed that the nefarious efforts of such malicious elements will never be allowed to succeed. “Pakistan was achieved after countless sacrifices by our forefathers, and we will never let their sacrifices go in vain.” He concluded by saying, “Pakistan exists, and so do we. Our politics exists.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif read out a declaration unanimously adopted by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, reiterating the nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

While regretting the absence of some opposition members, the committee affirmed its commitment to continuing the consultative process in the future.

The committee was briefed on the Jaffar Express attack and the security forces’ response, which resulted in the elimination of all 33 terrorists. However, 18 soldiers from the Army and Frontier Corps (FC) were among the 26 passengers martyred before the operation began.

The parliamentary committee stressed the need for a strategic and unified political resolve, combined with the full might of the state, to eliminate terrorism. It emphasized the immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy to dismantle terror networks, logistical support systems and the nexus between terrorism and crime.

The committee also expressed concerns over the growing misuse of social media by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, recruit followers and coordinate attacks. It called for urgent measures to prevent the misuse of digital platforms and dismantle social media networks operated by terrorists.

Reiterating its firm resolve to support Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, the committee acknowledged the sacrifices made by the security forces in defence of the motherland. It declared that no entity, individual, or group would be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s peace and stability in collusion with the country’s enemies.

Speaking at the in-camera meeting, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorists, and the world must be informed about the role of the Afghan government. Bilawal warned that the fire burning in Pakistan should not be underestimated by neighbouring countries, as it could spread beyond borders.

He emphasised that Afghanistan has become a sanctuary for terrorists, and the issue of terrorists operating from Afghanistan must be raised robustly at the diplomatic level. The world must be made aware of the Afghan government’s role in this regard, and Pakistan’s foreign policy needs to be further strengthened to address these challenges effectively. The international community must also take note of these developments.

He stated that the world cannot isolate itself from this region, and those funding terrorists must be identified and held accountable.

The PPP chairman affirmed that his party was fully prepared to support any efforts to eliminate extremism and terrorism. He described this as a critical national issue that leaves no room for hesitation or conditions.

He expressed unconditional cooperation and unwavering resolve in the fight against terrorism.

Separately, in a tweet, Bilawal said: “Imran Khan never attended any parliamentary security meeting while PM. Not on terrorism, not on Kashmir nor Indian aggression. Today he is not a member of parliament and this was a meeting of national security committee of parliament. Pathetic PTI would insist he attends now. It is every Pakistanis patriotic duty to put country above politics at times of war.”

Addressing the meeting, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that anyone who takes up arms against the state is a terrorist, and terrorism has no religion or sect. He emphasized that political leadership and the nation must eliminate terrorism without falling into any dilemma.

Maulana Fazl expressed disappointment at not seeing the PTI present at the meeting. He said, “Had they consulted me, I would have advised them to attend the meeting. I have been a part of this House since 1988 and have taken oaths of loyalty to the Constitution.”

“I will call the teacher a martyr, but I cannot call the killer a mujahid. In the past, people from different schools of thought had issued fatwas. We have also said that anyone who takes up arms against the state is a terrorist. Terrorism has no religion or sect. Political leadership and the nation must eliminate terrorism without falling into any dilemma.”

He further added, “We must set aside our political differences and unite on this issue. Those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism are the pride of our nation.”

Meanwhile, PTI founding chairman Imran Khan expressed deep concern over the party leaders’ decision to attend the APC or the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting. The PTI founder stated that the decision not to attend the APC or NSC would have been better.

According to sources, the PTI founder was briefed on the decisions made by the opposition alliance. He praised Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas for their stance. The PTI founder also endorsed Akhtar Mengal’s decision, referencing the crackdown against Mengal and his party.

The PTI founder remarked, “If I were in Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s place, I would have made the same decision.”

Sources said that the PTI founder questioned how unelected representatives and the government could make such a significant decision. The PTI founder also sent messages to the leadership of the Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution.

According to sources, during the meeting with the PTI founder, the “minus-one formula” was also discussed.

Sources revealed that during the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasised the importance of prioritising dialogue. He stated, “Talks should be given top priority, especially with those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan who recognise Pakistan and the Constitution.”

Gandapur further suggested that the state should engage with prominent Baloch leaders, including Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, to address their grievances and work toward resolving longstanding issues.

In response, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif remarked that the PTI leadership had already experienced the consequences of holding talks with militants. “You have seen the results of settling militants in Pakistan after calling them back from Afghanistan,” he said, alluding to past policies that led to security challenges.

MQM parliamentarian and Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stressed the need for national unity against terrorism. He affirmed that his party would continue to stand behind the security forces in their efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the country’s stability.

Former caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also addressed the committee, stating that while everyone deserves their rights, terrorism cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He urged a realistic approach to addressing the issues of Balochistan, cautioning against falling into the trap of propaganda.

During the meeting, the law enforcement agencies expressed confidence that terrorists and terrorism would be eradicated within three months, becoming a thing of the past.

The presence and views of prominent opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman were appreciated in the meeting. He adopted a stance aligned with national demands.

The meeting was informed that those responsible for bringing terrorists from Afghanistan to Pakistan under various pretexts and settling them here must be punished without any leniency to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The military has made history by bringing those responsible within its ranks to the court-martial, while those who colluded with them have yet to face justice. This is a moment of reflection, as such actions encourage those who cross all limits in their enmity against the country.

COAS General Asim Munir listened attentively to the nearly six-hour-long briefing and the participants’ opinions, remaining fully engaged and taking notes throughout.

Following the comprehensive briefing and the representatives’ discussions, the proposal for an all-parties conference was dropped.

The government will encourage discussions and deliberations in both houses of parliament on measures to eradicate terrorism, and this process will continue.

Notably, prominent parliamentary leaders absent from the National Security Committee meeting included Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. No verified information was provided on their unavailability.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has also expressed concern over the boycott of the in-camera meeting by the opposition alliance. In a statement, SCBA President Mian Rauf Atta said that the focus of the meeting was to consider the current law and security situation in the country, particularly in the light of recent untoward incidents in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.