NSC huddle: COAS calls for national unity against terrorism

The National Security Parliamentary Committee meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, concluded with the release of an official communiqué.

The session was attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Director General ISI Lt. General Nadeem Anjum, and other key military and political leaders.

Notably, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members did not participate in the meeting.

However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur represented his province, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti were also in attendance.

During his address, COAS General Syed Asim Munir emphasized that nothing is more important than national security. “There is no agenda, no movement, and no individual above the security of the nation,” he stated.

He underscored the need for national harmony, stating that all pillars of national power must work together for sustainable stability.

The army chief highlighted the necessity of improved governance and a stronger state structure. “We must transform Pakistan into a ‘Hard State’ to ensure its security and survival,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan cannot afford to continue functioning as a ‘Soft State’ at the cost of countless sacrifices.

He also called for closing governance gaps that have long been compensated for by the sacrifices of the armed forces and martyrs.

COAS Munir urged religious scholars to expose the distorted interpretation of Islam propagated by extremist elements. “If Pakistan exists, we exist,” he asserted, emphasizing that national security must be the utmost priority.

He warned those attempting to weaken Pakistan through terrorism that the nation stands united against them and their facilitators.

The committee strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks and expressed solidarity with the affected families.

The communiqué acknowledged the bravery of security forces and law enforcement agencies in counter-terrorism operations, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism.

The meeting also underscored the need for a unified national stance against terrorism, calling for the dismantling of terrorist networks, disruption of their logistical support, and an immediate implementation of the National Action Plan’s “Azm-e-Istahkam” strategy.

The absence of some opposition members was noted with regret, but the committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no institution, individual, or group is allowed to jeopardize Pakistan’s peace and stability.