- Council affirms Centre should collaborate more deeply for rapid development of Balochistan
- Condemns recent attacks on an army checkpoint in Bajaur Agency and on police officials in Quetta
- Agrees on proactive role of Pakistan in best interests of Muslim Ummah
ISLAMABAD: The National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday condemned the recent attacks on a Pakistan Army checkpost in Bajaur Agency and on police officials in Quetta, and expressed deep concern over the now increasingly exposed activities of hostile agencies, says a press release issued by the PM’s Media Office.
Presided over by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the council meeting reviewed the security situation in Balochistan and appreciated the significant improvement brought through tireless work by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
It affirmed that the thrust of the federal government policy shall be to collaborate more deeply with the government of Balochistan for the rapid socio-economic development of the province.
The NSC meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, JCSC Chairman General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, and senior civil and military officials.
The meeting also developed a consensus on providing increased development resources to the province and adopting a cooperative implementation mechanism for development projects to ensure greater efficiency and transparency, so that the benefits of increased development funding flow directly to the Baloch people.
The committee was apprised that concrete measures were being undertaken to improve border management to deny movement of miscreants and criminals into Balochistan.
The committee was also informed that the federal government was following a policy of allocating amongst its best civil servants to Balochistan to improve the administrative efficiency in the province.
While reviewing the progress made with respect to Pakistan’s commitment under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework, the committee observed that Pakistan needed to convey its position and achievements comprehensively and clearly to the FATF.
The committee also reviewed the status of regional gas and oil pipelines under consideration from the perspective of strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, and it was agreed that Pakistan should take advantage of the opportunities available.
The foreign secretary briefed the meeting on the latest developments in the regional security situation with a focus on the events rapidly unfolding in the Middle East.
Furthermore, the committee unanimously agreed that it was of critical importance for Pakistan to play a proactive role in the best interest of the Muslim ummah, while firmly adhering to its bilateral commitments.
