Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said decisive action will be taken against the rising terrorism in the country and warned that if measures are not taken the hard work to date will be wasted. Speaking to cabinet members at a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he said that significant incidents have occurred in the past two weeks. He recalled attending the funerals of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid, Major Tayyab and nine soldiers who were martyred in Orakzai, together with Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior officers and troops in Rawalpindi.
The prime minister said Lieutenant Colonel Junaid made a heroic mark in history. He led from the front, killed 19 members of the militant group, and he and ten of his companions embraced martyrdom. He also attended the funeral of Major Sibtain Haider this morning. Major Subtain was martyred while confronting the militants.
Meeting with the families of the martyrs, Prime Minister Shahbaz said each relative expressed the same sentiment in their own way. They said their son gave his life for the country, they thanked God, and they were proud that he sacrificed himself for the homeland.
He said terrorist incidents are occurring every day and precious lives are being lost. One martyr left behind a son and two daughters, and Major Sahib left behind a daughter. The martyrs are saving millions of children by sacrificing their own children and are departing from this world.
The prime minister lamented that, ironically, terrorists are given shelter. Militants come from a neighboring country to carry out attacks while so-called friendly nations praise them. He said the country that honoured them is now facing hostility from them.
He said the martyrs have drawn a line with their blood: either to fight with Pakistan or to defend the country. That line must not be crossed and will not be allowed to be crossed.
He warned that if terrorism continues, the efforts of the government, provincial governments, ministers, parliament and officials could be wasted. He declared that enough is enough and that the country must achieve the complete elimination of terrorism. Waiting further is not an option.
From Karachi to Peshawar the whole nation is asking what is happening, he said. He noted successes in diplomacy and the economy and said that a great victory has been granted against India, but terrorists are now trying to tear the country apart. The old game of fire and water will not work anymore. We must make firm decisions to end terrorism.
He said the martyrs are the honour and pride of the nation and their sacrifices must always be remembered. To forget them would be a grave betrayal. Those who facilitate terrorists are equally guilty. If decisive measures are not taken to end terrorism, neither the nation nor God will forgive us.
The prime minister added that the commander in chief’s resolve and spirit remain youthful and that the nation is united and determined to eradicate the militants once and for all.
