NSC to decide on 'decisive' operation against terrorists: Asif

Defence minister says consensus similar to the time of Zarb-e-Azb needed to root out terrorism

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif has said that the National Security Committee (NSC) would decide on an operation to elminiate terrorists from the country, a day after a suicide bomber kill 100 people and injured hundreds in a crowded mosque in Peshawar.

"This is a decision that the National Security Committee will take. Such things can be decided at a forum (like the NSC) which is able to take such major decisions," he said this while speaking to reporters at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

Later, while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, he urged all political forces to unite against terrorists who are targeting not a sect or particular segment of society but the entire nation.

"There is a need to create a consensus like [at the time of] the Zarb-e-Azb operation against this kind of terrorism. It is being hoped that the prime minister would take a step in this direction," the defence minister said.

He said that internal differences were posing serious threats to the country.

Read more: Death toll from Peshawar mosque suicide bombing reaches 100

“We must put our House in order first,” he said. “Soul searching and self accountability has become imperative due to our own follies and blunders as the seeds of terrorism were sown during the dictatorial tenures.”

Terming the suicide bombing in Peshawar no less a tragedy than the 2014 Army Public School massacre, Asif said that a similar consensus was needed today as politicians from all parties were on the same page.

The country has already endured over 126 billion dollars economic losses and 83,000 people including, armed forces personnel, police officials and other martyred but the world does not acknowledge our sacrifices, he said.

He said that Pakistan fought a deadly war against terrorism from 2008 to 2013 and lost many precious lives.

"Two years ago, we were briefed that we can talk to these people (the terrorists). Later, they were allowed to settle in the country," he said.

He said over 450,000 Afghans had been settled in Pakistan after crossing the Pak-Afghan border on valid document. They did not return to their country and had now occupied transport business in Pakistan, he added.

Asif questioned who should be held responsible for the bloodshed in Peshawar where 100 people were martyred. "Even in India and Israel, people are not killed while offering prayers. But it happens in Pakistan," he lamented.

Also read: Leaders, foreign missions condemn Peshawar attack

He said Afghan authorities had already committed in Doha agreement that their land would not be used against Pakistan.

Asif said that we should question whether the world recognises Pakistan's efforts against terrorism despite sacrificing thousands of lives. "We have a old habit of becoming an instrument of superpowers but are those powers with us," he questioned.

The minister said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) brought the country on path of progress, prosperity and peace in its tenure by eliminating terrorism from the country.

He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for portraying negative picture of the country.

(With input from APP)