LEAs authorised to use all means against terrorists

ISLAMABAD: The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) on Wednesday decided that coordinated efforts would be made to prevent and pre-empt acts of terrorism and security, defence and law enforcement agencies would be authorised to use all means necessary to eliminate terrorists and militants.

The DCC met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House. Federal Ministers Senior Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister of State for Finance Hina Rabbani Khar, Chairman JCSC, services chiefs and Director General (ISI) attended the meeting.

This is the second meeting of the DCC in 15 days and was held in the backdrop of the recent terrorist attack on the PNS Mehran in Karachi. The DCC reviewed the security situation arising from the terrorist attacks as well as issues relating to regional security and stability.

The DCC expressed full confidence in the ability and capacity of the armed forces and law enforcement and intelligence agencies to meet all threats to national security. In opening remarks prior to starting deliberations, Prime Minister Gilani made it clear that “in today’s deliberations, we should also bear in mind the resolution unanimously adopted by the joint sitting of parliament.”

The chief of the naval staff and secretaries defence, interior and foreign affairs briefed the DCC on the terrorist attack on PNS Mehran, as well as on internal security and the regional situation.

After in-depth discussions, it was decided that all citizens should extend their full cooperation to security and law enforcement agencies and defence forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism. It was decided that national security was the foremost priority and all arms of the government would ensure that terrorist hideouts were destroyed using all appropriate means.

It was decided that national consensus on eliminating terrorism would be implemented through a well-coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and state institutions at all levels. It was decided that the DCC would continue to meet regularly to further update and closely monitor the implementation of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, PM Gilani said he wanted, through this forum, to send a message to the nation that Pakistan’s strategic assets were well protected and its capability to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and liberties of the people was very much in place.

“The incident [attack on PNS Mehran is a serious threat to our security paradigm but with the help of our resolute nation, we will surely be successful in overcoming this unique challenge,” he said.

The prime minister said the fast-changing national security paradigm had “compelled us to meet twice in one month. We are here to take a holistic review of impending threats to our national security with a view to find answers, to put an end to the concerns being expressed regarding the state of security of the country,” he said.

The PM said in the wake of the terrorist attack on the PNS Mehran on May 22, serious concerns were being expressed about Pakistan’s ability to deal with the gravity of problems posed by terrorism.

“These concerns need to be clearly addressed and all efforts should be made to reinforce our capacity to effectively eliminate terrorism,” he said, adding that he had personally visited the PNS Mehran not only to get an in-depth briefing on the terrorist attack but also to express his heartfelt condolences for all those who lost their lives and to ascertain the well-being of the injured. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, I express our full support and solidarity with the officers and men of the Pakistan Armed Forces for their services in ensuring national security.”

The prime minister said a full investigation had been ordered. He said the people of Pakistan would never be intimidated by acts of terror and in fact such brazen terrorist attacks reinforced the national resolve to eliminate this menace. “There is no cause for any despondency. However, we certainly need to revisit the steps required to avert and preempt such attacks. I have no doubt we have the will and capacity to deal with these challenges,” he said.

The prime minister said concerns had also been expressed about the safety and security of our strategic assets. “Any speculation in this regard is unwarranted,” he made clear. Under the National Command Authority, the prime minister said Pakistan had in place an effective command and control system for ensuring the safety and security of nuclear weapons and related systems. “These arrangements conform to the highest international standards and practices followed by other nuclear weapon states,” he added.

PM Gilani said the government was determined to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of citizens. “It is imperative that we take steps urgently to enhance our intelligence capabilities and improve system-wide coordination for averting attacks,” he said.

The prime minister said it was clear that Pakistan was now entering another defining phase in the struggle against terrorists and for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. “Our engagement with regional states and major powers has intensified. There is certainly the need for coherence and a wholesome response to the unique and emerging challenges. I have no doubt that our courageous people and state institutions will not only safeguard Pakistan’s national interests but also meet all challenges, avail new opportunities and uphold the dignity and honour of our nation,” he added.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s history testified to the resilience of its people and state institutions. “We will overcome all challenges. Many of these challenges arise from global and regional developments. And Pakistan is destined to play an important role in regional and global affairs. Our geostrategic positioning impels us to shoulder responsibilities for the cause of global peace,” he added.

He said Pakistan was proud of the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Armed Forces and honoured them. Prime Minister Gilani said diversity and the quantum of challenges to national security demanded policy-makers leave behind conventional thinking and look for out-of-the-box solutions and carve out alternate strategies. “I strongly believe that we have the potential and resilience to face these challenges upfront and to meet the aspirations of our people,” the prime minister concluded.