ISLAMABAD: Given a recent increase of militant attacks in Balochistan, the Apex Committee Session of National Action Plan on Tuesday approved a grand military operation against terrorist organisations operating in the province.
The PM Office has issued a statement in this regard. It said the top civil-military body gave a go ahead to a military operation in Balochistan against terrorist groups who have been launching terrorist attacks against innocent civilians and foreign nationals in their bid to thwart economic progress of the country.
PM Shehbaz extols COAS Munir, cabinet’s efforts in fostering country’s economy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extolled on Tuesday Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir and cabinet team for making all-out efforts to put the country’s economy back to the track.
Addressing the Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP), PM Shehbaz said: “The country’s economy is on the verge of the stability. The country’s uplift hinges on the robust economy.”
He stressed the need for collective efforts to lead the country towards prosperity.
The premier said: “We got to take sustainable measures to steer the country towards development and economic stability.”
Acknowledging the cooperation from the provinces, PM Shehbaz said: “The provinces have extended full support to the federal government on the success of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.”
“The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) policy has dropped from 22 per cent to reach 15 per cent. The IT sector has also witnessed a boom. The remittances are also on the verge of stability.”
Underscoring the investment in the country, the premier said: “The foreign investors get encouragement by seeing that the local investors are making investments in the country.”
“The provinces and the centre will continue to ensure this will be the final programme with the international lender,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz said: “The billions of rupee will be deposited in the national treasury which will ultimately reap benefits for the country as a whole.”
“Everybody has extended an olive branch to me for the sake of the country’s uplift,” he stated.
Speaking about the political opponents, PM Shehbaz said: “Anybody who wants to stage the protests can do so but after the wrapping up of the important events and occasions. The decision should be made whether to stage the protests or think about leading the country towards the prosperity.”
He made it clear that there is an urgent need to end the menace of terrorism to ensure the country’s uplift.
“We got to make all-out efforts to boost the tax base. We had to take the assistance of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and China for ensuring the completion of the IMF programme,” the premier stated. Committee had stressed the need for embracing unity to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia working together to strengthen ties: PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are working together to strengthen their ties into mutually beneficial economic and investment cooperation.
Talking to Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdul Aziz Al Dawood in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister expressed his satisfaction over the implementation of MoUs with regard to Saudi investment of $2.8 billion in Pakistan.
Recalling the historic fraternal relations between the two countries, Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Saudi leadership and government for always supporting Pakistan.
Emphasizing the significance of cooperation in defence and security cooperation, the prime minister said the visit of the Deputy Interior Minister and his delegation would help bring both sides closer in terms of cooperation in these sensitive areas.
The situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East was also discussed. Recalling the recent Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh, the prime minister appreciated the leadership of Saudi Arabia for holding the Summit and stance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the issue of Palestine.
The prime minister applauded the leadership role of Saudi Arabia and the efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in unifying the Ummah to collectively seek an end to violence in Gaza due to Israel’s genocidal actions.
Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience. He said the people of Pakistan are waiting to accord him a warm welcome.
