By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: Addressing a press conference in Islamabad Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that PM Shehbaz had chaired a high-level meeting which was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. He said it was decided that a JIT would be formed to probe Tuesday’s attack on Chinese nationals in KP’s Bisham. He further said that all provincial chief ministers, police chiefs were also part of the meeting.
He said that during the meeting, the participants recognised the need for a “unified policy” against terrorism.
“And today the nation was given a message of unity that we unite when there is an attack on our interests, we know how to protect ourselves and our friends,” he said.
He said that the meeting lauded the sacrifices of security forces, who saved precious lives from being lost while dealing with the recent attacks in Turbat, Gwadar and Bisham.
He further that the “spirits were high” in the meeting and all the participants were on “one page”.
In response to the tragic terrorist attack on Chinese nationals at the Dassu Hydel Power Project in Besham, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting that lasted for hours.
Expressing profound condolences to the families of the victims, Prime Minister Sharif vowed swift justice for the perpetrators of this heinous act. He reaffirmed the unwavering bond between Pakistan and China, condemning the attack as an attempt to undermine their friendship.
Participants lauded the swift response of law enforcement agencies and local communities in minimizing casualties. Emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation, the Prime Minister instructed for the mobilization of all state resources to bring the culprits to justice.
Highlighting the broader threat posed by terrorism, Prime Minister Sharif stressed its transnational nature and its exploitation by adversaries to impede Pakistan’s progress. Participants echoed a resolute commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country and emphasized the importance of a regional approach to counter this menace.
The Chief of Army Staff reiterated the armed forces’ determination to eliminate terrorism, underscoring Pakistan’s resilience in the face of such challenges. Promising to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens contributing to Pakistan’s development, the COAS pledged unwavering efforts to combat terrorism.
The meeting concluded with a unified pledge to comprehensively combat terrorism, utilizing all available state resources to safeguard the nation and its allies.
