‘Fitna al khawarij’ must be eliminated, says PM Shehbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the moment has arrived to eliminate “fitna al khawarij,” referring to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been involved in numerous attacks targeting security personnel and civilians.

Addressing the meeting of the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP), the prime minister urged provinces, federal authorities, and institutions to devise a comprehensive plan to combat terrorism and ensure peace across Pakistan.

Today’s meeting to review the security situation in the country was attended by the civil and military leadership.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, PM Shehbaz specifically pointed out the presence of infiltrators, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and said recent cross-border attacks by terrorists were met with a robust response.

He warned that enemies with malicious intent are lying in wait, emphasising the need to stay vigilant against such threats.

PM Shehbaz expressed concern over external and internal elements conducting anti-Pakistan campaigns. “Agents sitting abroad, disguised as friends, are propagating against Pakistan. This is a significant threat,” he warned.

The prime minister also called for measures to counter “digital terrorism,” where facts are distorted and spread on social media to mislead people.

PM calls for unity to maintain law and order

Discussing the importance of collaboration, the premier urged provinces and the military to work together to establish a coordinated system for maintaining law and order.

He assured that obstacles on critical routes like Peshawar-Parachinar would not be tolerated.

He praised the collective role of stakeholders in the recent peace agreement signed during the Kohat grand jirga. The agreement, reached after 50 sessions, was a significant step toward stabilising conflict-affected areas.

The prime minister also reflected on the “attack on Islamabad”, without mentioning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), noting that social media platforms were used to fuel misinformation and escalate tensions.

“We need immediate measures to address this new form of digital warfare,” he said.

‘National interest comes first’

PM Shehbaz reiterated that “personal preferences do not matter; Pakistan’s interests come first.”

PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s recent global milestone, noting that the country has assumed a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

“Pakistan’s national interest is supreme, and all efforts should be directed towards securing it,” he said.

Referring to recent sacrifices, he acknowledged the bravery of police, Rangers, and military personnel who have given their lives to protect the nation.

The premier concluded by calling for unity and determination to end terrorism and ensure long-term peace, stating, “This is the time to act together for the future of Pakistan.”