Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting of Pakistan’s Federal Apex Committee, focusing on revitalizing the nation’s counterterrorism strategy. Attendees included the Federal Cabinet, provincial chief ministers, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and senior officials. The meeting addressed the evolving security landscape and various challenges, such as sub-nationalism, religious extremism, and the crime-terror nexus.

According to Press Information Department, the Committee emphasized the need for a unified political stance and national narrative to effectively tackle these issues. It stressed political support across party lines and national consensus as crucial for reinvigorating the counterterrorism campaign under Vision Azm-e-Istehkam. Plans were made to revitalize the National Counter Terrorism Authority and establish intelligence fusion centers. A comprehensive approach involving diplomatic, political, informational, intelligence, socio-economic, and military efforts was adopted.

To ensure effective implementation, the establishment of District Coordination Committees under Provincial Apex Committees was decided. The Committee also approved a military operation against terrorist organizations in Balochistan. General Munir reiterated the army’s commitment to national security and supporting government initiatives. Prime Minister Sharif directed stakeholders to implement the outlined initiatives promptly, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to protect sovereignty, citizen safety, and economic stability.