Calling for burying political differences to thwart the evil designs of terrorists, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has asked leaders of all parliamentary parties to attend a meeting today (Wednesday) at the Governor House Peshawar to discuss the security situation in the wake of Peshawar tragedy.
“We have to give up all political rivalries and personal differences and stand united to wipe out terrorism and militancy from the country,” the prime minister said, while talking to the media at the Governor House in Peshawar.
“There should not be any fissures, differences and divisions in the nation at this critical juncture,” said the prime minister, who rushed to Peshawar after the horrific school attack. “Such acts of cowardice will not deter our resolve to end terrorism.”
He expressed his firm resolve to continue Operation Zarb-e-Azb till the elimination of extremists and terrorists and appealed to the nation to stand united for thwarting their designs. “The operation will continue till the extermination of the last terrorist,” he said.
Nawaz said the war against extremists and terrorists had entered a critical phase after successfully achieving many of its stated objectives. “The government, the nation and the armed forces stand determined to wipe out the scourge, once and for all.”
He said the federal government along with the provincial government would consider a compensation package for the victim families. He said important decisions would also be taken in the wake of the Peshawar tragedy.
The premier also met with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and discussed the attack as well as the security situation.
Talking to the media later, the prime minister said: “We are with the K-P government in this tragic situation. This is the most heinous tragedy in the history of the country.”
Earlier, the prime minister visited the Peshawar Corps Headquarters where he was briefed on the military operation at the school by army chief General Raheel Sharif and the corps commander.
Today’s meeting
According to the Prime Minister House, Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with parliamentary parties’ leaders will start at 11:30am.
Information Minister Parvaiz Rasheed and Federal Finance Minister Ishaque Dar were tasked to convey the prime minister’s request to all 22 parliamentary leaders of political parties in the National Assembly, including the PTI.
Sources said Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also requested the K-P chief minister to bring PTI chief Imran Khan to the meeting – not only to show unity against terrorism but also to discuss and recommend his proposals on war against terrorism.
Official sources confirmed that Imran will attend the meeting. Dar said PTI’s General Secretary Jahangir Tareen has conveyed him that Imran will attend the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2014.
COMMENTS (4)
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NS should resign. He has no right to govern. How can he show his face? It's a failure of his govt. they are unable to facilitate justice, as they're criminal themselves
Imran Khan should not be allowed to attend. He may inform Taliban people about plan.
Pakistan needs to follow Bangladesh and starts hanging supporters of Taliban - start with Hamid Gul and Munawar Hasan.
Pakistan needs to follow Bangladesh and starts hanging supporters of Taliban.