PM Shehbaz calls for unity against 'anti-Pakistani elements'

Shehbaz says political turmoil, disunity could cost the country its 'hard-earned gains against terrorism'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged all 'political forces' to join forces in an attempt to build a united front to counter terrorism in the country.

Taking to Twitter, the PM said that “through their despicable actions, terrorists want to spread fear & paranoia among the masses and reverse our hard-earned gains against terrorism and militancy”.

Through their despicable actions, terrorists want to spread fear & paranoia among the masses & reverse our hard-earned gains against terrorism & militancy. My message to all political forces is one of unity against anti-Pakistan elements. We can fight our political fights later.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 31, 2023

“My message to all political forces is one of unity against anti-Pakistan elements”, he said adding that “we can fight our political fights later”.

The premier's message comes a day after a powerful explosion triggered by a suicide attack rocked a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines during the afternoon prayers.

According to the latest figures, at least 93 people have been confirmed to have lost their lives in the attack.

Read 'Terrorism is indefensible': Leaders, missions condemn Peshawar attack

As the rescue operation is still underway, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan has announced a day of mourning in the province.

The attack was the worst terrorist act in Peshawar since March last year, when a suicide bombing at a mosque during Friday prayers killed at least 58 people and injured nearly 200. Investigators had said at that time the Islamic State bomber was an Afghan exile, who had returned home to train for the attack.

PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir had dashed to Peshawar after the suicide bombing. They also visited the Lady Reading Hospital and enquired about the well-being of the injured.

As talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) collapsed last year, the ceasefire in place was called off by the militant group and a fresh wave of terrorist incidents was witnessed across the country - which might continue into the year as well.

Glimpses of the TTP’s resurgence were witnessed in Swat and then more recently in Bannu. This fresh wave of terrorism has put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and its recently merged tribal districts in the spotlight as its populace will be amongst the worst affectees if the TTP and other militant groups, like the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), are not dealt with.