RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif Saturday said, “Failure to eliminate all manifestations of extremism and terrorism at the grass roots level in our country is not an option, no matter what the cost.” Key to success lies in whole hearted participation of society and ensuring harmony among all intelligence and law enforcing agencies at every level, he made these remarks while speaking at special meeting of the Punjab Apex Committee held at Corps Headquarters Lahore.
Chief Minister Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif along with heads of Law Enforcing Agencies, senior provincial officials and the Director General, ISI, attended the meeting. Gen. Raheel Sharif said, “Yesterday APC’s resolve of the national leadership to root out terrorism from our soil will serve as a force multiplier.” He assured the forum of Army’s full support to Provincial Government for judicious and speedy action against all forces of evil on the soil of Pakistan. Chief Minister, Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif appreciated the whole hearted support of Pakistan Army and reiterated the resolve of Punjab Government to cleanse his province of terrorism and extremism. He emphasized the importance of joint execution of a comprehensive security plan within laid down parameters and timelines.
According to ISPR here, in a bid to coordinate the security and to implement the recently approved National Action Plan (NAP), Provincial Apex Committees have been formed in all provinces which will constitute both military and political leadership.
To kick off the process of implementation, special meeting of the Punjab Apex Committee was held at Corps Headquarters Lahore. Underpinning the importance of civil military coordination mechanism, the COAS General Raheel Sharif attended the meeting. The Corps Commanders from across the province were present during the meeting. The forum reviewed the prevalent internal security situation in the Province in the context of National Action Plan.
