Passing-out parade: Terrorism will be defeated at all costs, says Nawaz

PM commends nation for standing united

QUETTA:

Commending the nation for standing united in the face of terrorism, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said the menace will have to be defeated at all costs for the sake of the country’s future generations.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of Balochistan’s Special Combat Unit (SCU), he said the fight against terrorism was deeply intertwined with the country’s social and economic fabric.

“Our pure land is facing a serious danger as a result of terrorism. We need to counter it with patience, courage, tolerance and a high state of vigilance,” the premier told those present at the ceremony. “There is no choice for us but to succeed [against terrorism],” he added.

The prime minister said no one could stop the nation from winning against terrorism as it stood united. “I would say this unity against terrorism is exemplary.”

As many as 200 officers, including 18 lady constables, graduated as members of the SCU after a two-month training programme. The newly-trained SCU commandos demonstrated their proficiency in conducting counter-terrorism operations at the ceremony, thrilling those present who also included army chief General Raheel Sharif and Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch.



Addressing the graduating officers, the premier told them “not to spare a single terrorist on Pakistani soil.”

“The entire nation has endorsed and supported action against the cruel terrorists,” he said. “A huge responsibility now lies on your shoulders. You have to make people realise that they are secure and protected,” he told the SCU officers.

“I have no doubt that a nation who has such officers and jawans need not be afraid of any terrorists. No force can stop such a country from its march forward.”

Premier Nawaz said his government has prioritised the maintenance of order in the country. “We have reshaped the counter-terrorism department and recruited well educated and trained officers,” he said. “They are being trained with modern investigation tools, special intelligence operations.”

All these measures, the prime minister said, were a manifestation of the government’s firm resolve to defeat the menace. “The government has vowed to protect every citizen and ensure peace across the country.  We are very sincere and serious because it is a question of survival for our future generations.”

Premier Nawaz thanked the army chief for imparting training to anti-terrorism units in the country in such a brief period of time. He distributed awards and certificates among the best trainees at the end of the ceremony.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Baloch said his government is also sincerely depoliticising the province’s police force. “I promise you that there will not be any recruitment or posting on political grounds. And I also need a promise to fulfill my responsibility to you with honesty and diligently,” he said.

PM announces Rs5b for Quetta

The prime minister on Thursday also announced a Rs5 billion package for the development of infrastructure in Quetta.

He announced the package after being briefed on development projects in Balochistan at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The premier also directed officials to fast-track the implementation of the development schemes.  “The improvement of basic infrastructure and all basic facilities to Balochistan is a priority for the PML-N government,” he said.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2015.