ISLAMABAD — Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said on Friday that negotiations with terrorists in the past helped banned outfits regroup in the country that has lost thousands in the war on terrorism.
The Army chief expressed the views during an in-camera session of the National Assembly convened by Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf to discuss ongoing security situation in the country.
Last week, the National Security Committee decided to launch a comprehensive operation to weed out the scourge of terrorism in the country.
During today’s session, the top general elaborated that it was not a new operation but a whole nation approach wherein all departments of the government will have their representation.
Saying a large number of security officials and Pakistanis rendered sacrifices for peace, he said there was no any no-go area in the country. He said the terrorists had to accept the write of the state as there was no other option. He highlighted that intelligence-based operations are conducted on a daily basis in the country.
“Instead of talking about new and old Pakistan, we should talk about our Pakistan,” he stressed while stating that there was no dearth of resources in the country.
Earlier, lawmakers raised questions about funds issued to the Khyber Pakunkhwa government for anti-terror activities and reasons behind resurgence of terrorism in the country as top military leadership attended an in-camera session of the National Assembly on Friday.
The session was also attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and other lawmakers. The four provincial chief ministers, chief secretaries and IGPs were also invited by the NA Secretariat to the meeting.
During the session, PM Shehbaz Sharif questioned how the KP government spent funds it received from the Centre since 2010 to curb the terrorism. “Where did the anti-terror funds go and who brought back terrorism to Pakistan?” he questioned.
Earlier, COAS Asim Munir felicitated the lawmakers on the golden jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan and paid a tribute to its makers. He said, “Centre of gravity is Pakistani public,” adding that the Constitution and Parliament reflected the public opinion.
On Thursday, the premier had said the members of NA will be allowed to raise their questions and concerns regarding security at the special session.
He assured that the concerns of the members would be addressed and that no such thing would be done which deteriorates the situation. He said our effort will be to fix the problems.
Last week, the National Security Committee (NSC) approved the launch of an all-out comprehensive operation with the support of the nation and the government with renewed resolve and determination to get rid of the menace of terrorism.
The approval to this effect was accorded in the 41st meeting of the NSC chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This comprehensive and all-out operation to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation from Pakistan will also include efforts at the political, diplomatic security, economic and social levels.
A high-level committee has also been constituted in this regard that will prepare recommendations regarding its implementation and limitations within two weeks.
