Pakistan on Sunday reaffirmed its determination to eradicate terrorism, declaring that militant groups operating with external support will not be allowed to destabilise the country, while stressing that the fight against extremism is directly linked to the nation’s stability and future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the professionalism of security forces in recent counterterrorism efforts, saying, “The malicious designs of militants have been thwarted, and the government, together with our armed forces, is unwavering in its resolve to eliminate this menace completely.” He added that Pakistan would “uproot terrorism from its soil” and ensure peace and security for its citizens.
The government underlined that Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns at international forums and with Afghan authorities regarding the use of Afghan territory for hostile activities against Pakistan, including attacks on security forces and violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It said evidence has shown that terrorist networks, “patronised by India and facilitated from Afghanistan,” are engaged in attempts to destabilise the country.
Officials accused such groups of exploiting religious symbols to impose extremist agendas, targeting schools, threatening students, abducting enlightened voices for ransom, and forging links with criminal syndicates to weaken society. “These are not defenders of faith, but criminals who prey on vulnerable communities to advance their violent designs,” the statement said.
Emphasising the heavy cost Pakistan has borne, the government noted that two decades of terrorism have claimed thousands of lives and caused deep wounds to the economy, infrastructure, education and healthcare. It warned that poverty and unemployment have worsened as a result, while investment and development have been repeatedly disrupted.
The statement stressed that combating terrorism now requires a comprehensive approach, including stronger border security, disruption of militant financing, modernisation of law-enforcement agencies, and robust intelligence coordination with regional and global partners. It also called attention to the misuse of Pakistan’s generosity in hosting millions of Afghan refugees, noting that illegal residency and forged documents have been exploited by some to facilitate terrorist activities.
“This is not just a battle against militants,” the statement concluded. “It is a struggle for the stability of Pakistan, for the safety of our people, and for the future of our next generations. With unity of purpose, effective policies, and the sacrifices of our security forces, the elimination of terrorism is not only possible but inevitable.”
