News
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Govt decides to crush terrorist with full force* DCC for coordinated efforts to prevent, pre-empt acts of terrorism
* Security agencies will be authorised to use all means to eliminate terrorists
* All citizens asked to extend full cooperation to security agencies
* Full confidence expressed in ability and capacity of armed forces, intel agencies
* PM says strategic assets well protected
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) that met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House Wednesday evening resolved to crush terrorists with full might and vigour.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, JCSC chairman, services chiefs and ISI director general.
The DCC reviewed the security situation arising out of terrorist attacks and issues relating to regional security and stability. The chief of naval staff and secretaries of defence, interior and foreign affairs briefed the DCC on the terrorist attack on PNS Mehran, internal security and regional situation.
After in-depth discussions, it was decided that, coordinated efforts will be made to prevent and pre-empt acts of terrorism. It was decided that security, defence and law enforcement agencies would be authorised to use all means necessary to eliminate militants.
It was concurred that all citizens should extend their full cooperation to the security, law enforcement agencies and defence forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism.
Participants of the meeting were unanimous in their view that national security was the foremost priority and all arms of the government would ensure that terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed by using all appropriate means.
The national consensus on eliminating terrorism will be implemented through a well coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and state institutions at all levels.
The DCC expressed full confidence in the ability and the capacity of the armed forces and law enforcement and intelligence agencies in meeting all threats posed to the national security.
Addressing the DCC meeting, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said, “The fast changing national security paradigm has compelled us to meet twice within a month. We are here to take a holistic review of the impending threats to our national security with a view to find answers, to put an end to the concerns being expressed regarding state of security of the country.” He said that in the wake of terrorist attack on PNS Mehran serious concerns were being expressed about the government’s ability to deal with the gravity of problems posed due to terrorism. “These concerns need to be clearly addressed and all efforts should be made to reinforce our capacity to effectively eliminate terrorism,” the prime minister added.
“I have personally visited PNS Mehran. The purpose was not only to get an in-depth briefing on the terrorist attack but also to express my heartfelt condolences for all those brave men who lost their lives as well as to ascertain well-being of those injured in the attack,” he elaborated.
Gilani added, “Concerns have also been expressed about the safety and security of our strategy assets. Any speculation in this regard is unwarranted. Under the National Command Authority, we have an effective command and control system for ensuring the safety and security of our nuclear weapons and related systems.”
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk