PM Shehbaz vows to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to completely eradicate terrorism from Pakistan, stating that the nation will “bury this curse forever” and prevent its resurgence.

In a speech at an event in Islamabad on Saturday, he declared that the government would take decisive action to eliminate terrorism from the country.

Referring to the tragic suicide bombing in Akora Khattak, which led to the martyrdom of Maulana Hamidul Haq and several other Pakistanis, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a deeply sorrowful incident.

He highlighted that the Jamia, where both Islamic and modern education is provided, produced true Pakistanis. While expressing the nation’s grief over the attack, he urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to swiftly arrest the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.

The Prime Minister further reflected on Pakistan’s progress in combating terrorism, stating that by 2018, the country had largely eradicated terrorism, with over 80,000 Pakistanis having laid down their lives for peace and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces, police, and law enforcement agencies.

However, he noted that terrorism had resurfaced, though he chose not to delve into the causes at that moment. He reiterated that the armed forces would play a pivotal role in eradicating this menace, ensuring that it is completely and permanently eliminated.

On the financial front, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the pending revenue collection of billions of rupees owed to the state of Pakistan as he mentioned that in 2022 and 2023, when the dollar soared, banks had made windfall profits, and the government had imposed a windfall tax on them. Despite this, the banks had obtained a stay order.

However, he praised the efforts of the Governor of the State Bank, who, after the Sindh High Court lifted the stay order, managed to withdraw Rs23 billion from the banks and deposit it into the national treasury.

Announcement of Rs20 Billion Ramadan Package

In his speech, Prime Minister Sharif also announced a substantial Rs20 billion Ramadan package for the poor, aimed at providing relief during the holy month.

He explained that this year, the government had allocated Rs20 billion, benefiting 4 million families across Pakistan. The package marks a nearly 200% increase from last year’s allocation of Rs7 billion.

The Premier emphasized that the Ramadan package would be implemented across the entire country, ensuring that deserving families from Karachi to Gilgit, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are included.

He commended the efforts of institutions like the State Bank, NADRA, and technology organizations for ensuring transparency and efficiency in the distribution process. He also expressed gratitude to all the institutions involved in delivering the Ramadan relief to those in need.

Prime Minister Sharif further stated that the government was working to improve and privatize the utility stores system, which had previously been plagued by corruption. This year, beneficiaries of the Ramadan package would no longer have to wait in long lines. Instead, they would receive relief in a dignified manner through digital wallets.

He assured that the distribution of the Ramadan package would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and fairness.