Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif (L) and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (R). PHOTO: ONLINE
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The discussions were focused on three key issues: formulation of National Security Strategy to safeguard the national interests; strategy on internal security and relations with Afghanistan.
Issues
The committee agreed that the economic development and prosperity of the people is dependent on ensuring security and approved a number of measures concerning enhancement of security on western border, development of FATA and other bordering areas to bring them at par with the national standards.
It directed the concerned ministries to take measures to facilitate regional peace and stability.
The leadership deliberated upon the government’s strategy to engage various groups of Taliban in order to curb extremism and militancy.
Consensus was also developed to have effective security along the international borders to stop illegal transportation.
It was also decided that Pakistan would cooperate with Afghanistan and help in the ongoing reconciliation process with Afghan Taliban.
Attendees
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandeela, Chief of Air Force Tahir Rafiq, defence secretary, foreign secretary, interior secretary and director general (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were present at the meeting.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Rashid Mahmood also attended.
DG Military Operations and DG ISI briefed the committee on issues related to national security. The interior secretary also gave a briefing regarding the peace and security situation in the country.
The issue of drone attacks and relations with the United States were also discussed. A draft of the national security policy was also deliberated upon at the meeting.
Nawaz had earlier met the Army Chief one on one to discuss the security situation in the country.
COMMENTS (21)
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@Nasir:
I think you should read the history well, Pakistan won 2 wars against India, but lost in 1971,check wikipedia and other neutral sources. Even Indian army generals accept that Pakistan army has more capability to fight at night.
Resolve to keep begging at the expense of innocent citizens. Pl read it together with the following statement by TTP. TTP dismisses talks, vows retaliation against ‘planned operation’ http://www.dawn.com/news/1074670/ttp-dismisses-talks-vows-retaliation-against-planned-operation
The ultimate goal is for a peaceful resolution for all things concerning the region. The people of Afghanistan and Pakistan have suffered from the effects of wars for almost three decades now. No one can deny that in the last decade thing are improving for the better in the region. I do not deny that terrorism is still an issue we are dealing with. Cross border cooperation is needed to curb the thru and from flow of the terrorists. Pakistan and Afghanistan have to work together to uplift the state of the “common man” in the region. We have sacrificed together to make the region safer for everyone. We need to continue with our efforts relentlessly, so future generation, when they look back, look at us with respect and reverence.
Abdul Quddus DET- United States Central Command
@PAKhtoons: I love this picture of Quaid in the background.
Though this picture is displayed all over Pakistan but his vision of a progressive Pakistan for Muslims and others living peacefully in this country has gone terribly wrong, since the policies started by Gen Zia of hatred, sectarianism, fanaticism and using terror as a state tool are being followed explicitly since many a decades. Either the vision and policies of Jinnah should be practiced, or his picture should be replaced with that of General Zia.
Whether it's peace talks or energy - govt of Pakistan seems to do nothing other than make press announcements. How difficult is it to have a conversation with your enemy, how many months/years does it take to start a dialogue? It's unlikely the peace discussions will go anywhere but that's no excuse for not starting them.
@Shankar:
Can you say something intelligent?
If Pakistani lives are sacrificed for the flawed, backward, failed, stubborn and unproductive policy of strategic depth so be it. The thing is when there is no check on military power, there is no one to tell them to stop.
If it were up to Commanders, the U.S. would still have 150,000 troops in Afghanistan.
@Waqar Qureshi:
This is on IK's demand.
The TTP will be forced to confirm allegiance to the Constitution ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ and lay down their arms before talk. am I delusional?
I love this picture of Quaid in the Background
Hello Liberals / seculars / PTI Bashers" Where are you? Is Imran Khan not responsible again? LOL
With the arrival of new chief they have gone underground;
This is the height of incompetence. How many times they need to decide the same thing. We were told earlier by Prime Minister Ch. Nisar that talks were already underway.
@Nikki:
Welldone Nikki, for reminding fresh history.Still we rememebr that cannot forget our dear one.
"The issue of drone attacks and relations with the United States were also discussed" Really! What was the outcome? Any steps taken or just talk and talk and more talks. Will the Government tell the people what is the stumbling block? Is it still the Government policy to publicly denounce the drone attacks and then continue to support the US policy of interference and dictation to the Government and the Army? When will the Government come out of the clutches of US and assert its independence?
Oh No. What will the Anti-PTI trolls do. This was the topic used to bash PTI. If the Army is even talking about peace talks, it must still be PTI's fault. Damn you Imran Khan :)
Keep in mind they have betrayed with establishment in the past, not once only twice or thrice-they are the same people. Gray area must be there. Hope for the best. Good luck
Keep begging for talks till half a lac more drop.
Pathetic...We have never won a war!, we lost against India and now against the Mullahs. Why are we spending so much of our GDP on our military?. It might be better to divert the money elsewhere such as education or dams
no matter what the priority of th ttp and the mind set is... ours is to surrender, appease and beg them to stop!