Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday called for adopting a national approach for fighting against terrorism until it is completely eradicated.
“The support and strength of the country’s political leadership is required for addressing the grave issue,” Ashraf said in his opening remarks at the federal cabinet’s meeting.
The prime minister and his cabinet members offered fateha for those killed in separate terror attacks in Quetta, Hangu and Lakki. He expressed grief over the Quetta blast which resulted in the deaths of 91 people. The cabinet expressed its deep sympathies with the bereaved families and reiterated its resolve to continue its fight against terrorism and remain undeterred until the menace was wiped out. The cabinet also resolved to arrest the culprits behind the brutal attacks.
The prime minister requested all patriotic Pakistanis to keep an eye on any suspicious activity and inform the law enforcement agencies for stern action against them. “The governments come and go but the country will remain stable, insha’Allah. We are all servants of Pakistan and its people, and will serve to the best of our ability,” he said. “With the blessings of Allah and because of laudable efforts of the parliamentary committee, negotiations with the victim brethren were successful,” he added.
He said the scarifies made by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders and its allies would be written in the history of democracy with golden words. He said a wrong impression was being created by the enemies of democracy that the government had not done anything during the last five years. “In fact, the government has taken all possible measures for improvement in the law and order situation and economy despite many constraints,” he said.
He said his recent official visit to the United Kingdom was aimed at interacting with the British government on areas of mutual interest, besides meeting the Pakistani community settled there.
He said Pakistan and Britain enjoy cordial relations, which would be further promoted with his visit. “Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the UK, which is an important member of the European Union and Pakistan’s second largest trading partner,” he said.
He said the matters of bilateral interest, including the Afghanistan situation following the withdrawal of NATO troops came under discussion. He said British Prime Minister David Cameron praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terror. The prime minister apprised the cabinet about his discussions with Cameron, including the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue, GSP Plus Scheme, investment opportunities in Pakistan and the recently concluded trilateral meeting.
