President, PM say govt committed to eliminate terrorism as NSC convenes today

Shehbaz says those challenging the security of Pakistan will find 'no place to hide'

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded the Pakistan Army for an operation against terrorists in Kurram district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

In their separate statements, they paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred soldiers, including Subedar Shuja Muhammad, Naik Muhammad Ramzan and Sepoy Abdul Rehman.

The premier reiterated the government's commitment to continue to move forward against terrorism with "a firm resolve and steadfastness". He said that those challenging the security of Pakistan will find "no place to hide".

The president in his statement said that the efforts of security forces, as well as the whole nation, will continue till the complete "elimination of terrorism" from the country.

The president and prime minister both sympathised with the bereaved families of the martyred soldiers and prayed for the martyrs.

Read NSC convenes today amid spike in terror attacks

A day earlier, at least three soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with terrorists in K-P.

According to Ithe Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani troops fought bravely and effectively engaged the terrorists' location in the Arawali area of the district.

During an intense exchange of fire, it said two terrorists were killed and their weapons and ammunition were also recovered. The killed terrorists has been actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces, the ISPR added.

It said that a sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. "The Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the ISPR further said.

PM chairs NSC

Meanwhile, the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC) has been convened today to take important decisions in the wake of the renewed threat posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Ahead of the meeting, army chief General Syed Asim Munir called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday to discuss the internal security situation with a particular reference to the TTP resurgence.

It is believed that the COAS and the PM finalised the NSC meeting agenda. This will be the first NSC huddle since the change of command at the army.

The civil and military leadership will take stock of the current security situation and review the state policy.