PM Shehbaz expects the NSC’s “important choices” would boost the economy and combat terrorism.

ISLAMABAD – The National Security Committee (NSC) recently met and made significant decisions to secure both economic and national security, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A day after the top civil and military leaders convened in the federal capital to discuss how to combat the growing terrorism trend and the worsening economic crisis, the premier made the announcement via Twitter.

The prime minister posted on Twitter, saying: “NSC took some significant decisions yesterday after hours of deliberation. There are two that stand out: The State of Pakistan would adopt a policy of “zero tolerance” for terrorists who challenge its authority. Peace cannot be negotiated. Second, the economic roadmap will boost the economy and bring alleviation to the populace.

Federal cabinet members Ishaq Dar, Bilawal Bhutto, Khawaja Asif, and Rana Sanaullah, as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the heads of all the services’ intelligence agencies, attended the NSC moot, which was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to an official statement, the NSC reaffirmed its commitment to having zero tolerance for terrorism in Pakistan and its willingness to combat any and all violent organisations.

“This will be dealt with with all available governmental power. The committee decided that Pakistan’s security cannot be compromised and that the entire authority of the state shall be upheld on all of Pakistan’s territory. The meeting was informed about the nation’s security condition, with an emphasis on recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister emphasised that the armed forces would provide resolute deterrence and a secure, enabling environment, while the federal and provincial governments would lead the fight against terrorism in accordance with the National Action Plan and the National Internal Security Policy, with people-centric socio-economic development as a priority.

The meeting came to the conclusion that no nation would be permitted to shelter or assist terrorists, and Pakistan reserved all rights in that regard to protect its citizens. The Committee emphasised that complete “National Security” hinged around economic security and that without self-sufficiency and economic independence, sovereignty or dignity came under threat. The forum took a thorough look at the current economic scenario in relation to the difficulties that Pakistan’s ordinary people, particularly the lower and medium income classes, are currently experiencing

The finance minister briefed the forum about the economic stability roadmap of the government including the status of discussions with international financial institutions, exploring other financial avenues based on mutual interests as well as relief measures for common people. In order to strengthen the economy, the committee agreed on undertaking concrete steps including import rationalization as well as preventing illegal currency outflows and hawala business.

The emphasis will be specially made to improve agricultural output and manufacturing sector to ensure food security, imports substitution and employment.
It was resolved that people-centric economic policies with trickle-down effects on common people would remain a priority. It was also agreed to involve all stakeholders for consensus to realise effective and fast-track economic recovery and road map.

The forum decided to mobilise all resources for their rehabilitation and reconstruction in conjunction with the provincial governments and multilateral financial institutions while taking into account the efforts to mitigate the challenges faced by the 33 million flood victims.

The Committee also commended the prime minister and the federating units for their ongoing relief efforts.