ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed to form a joint investigation team (JIT) for an investigation into the Bisham terrorist attack on Chinese engineers.
A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz in Islamabad resulted in the decision to establish a JIT to probe the recent terrorist attack on Chinese engineers in Bisham.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar disclosed this development during a news conference in Islamabad, underscoring the meeting’s acknowledgement of the urgent need for a coordinated strategy to combat terrorism effectively.
Tarar elaborated that the strategy would entail devising a mechanism to enhance coordination among relevant stakeholders, while also commending the pivotal role of security forces in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The meeting, attended by Army Chief Syed AsimMunir, federal ministers, and chief ministers of all four provinces along with their respective chief secretaries and IGPs, underscored the nation’s unified resolve to leave no stone unturned in eradicating the scourge of terrorism.
Emphasizing the unwavering commitment to safeguarding vital installations, Chinese citizens, and Pakistani nationals, Tarar reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
In response to concerns regarding the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, Tarar assured that existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) are rigorously implemented and that any potential loopholes are being identified and addressed following the recent incident in Bisham.
Tarar also highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz’s directives to expedite the Gwadar Safe City Project, funded by the federal government, emphasising the importance of bolstering security measures in strategic areas.
Furthermore, the establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Force in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, mirroring Punjab’s state-of-the-art CTD force, was announced as part of the government’s comprehensive security initiatives.
Addressing concerns about Afghanistan’s alleged involvement in terror activities on Pakistani soil, Tarar reiterated the prime minister’s unequivocal stance against any such attempts, emphasising Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue.
The meeting underscored Pakistan’s enduring partnership with China, reaffirming mutual support and solidarity in the face of adversity, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader bilateral relations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024