Zardari, Shehbaz reaffirm resolve to eradicate terrorism

News Desk 

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have renewed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism after security forces and police killed 49 terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

In separate statements issued on Friday, both leaders praised the security forces and law-enforcement personnel for what they described as successful joint operations against militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

President Zardari said the operations demonstrated the determination of Pakistan’s security forces and police to protect the country from terrorist threats.

He maintained that elements allegedly operating with external support would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s peace and stability.

The president said counterterrorism operations would continue with full force until the threat of terrorism was completely eliminated.

Zardari also expressed confidence that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan would ultimately be freed from terrorism and be able to move towards greater peace, development and prosperity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif similarly commended the personnel involved in the operations, saying the elimination of 49 terrorists reflected the professional expertise and operational capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces and police.

He reiterated the government’s determination to pursue the fight against terrorism and establish lasting peace and security across the country.

Both leaders also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of security personnel and police officers engaged in counterterrorism operations.

They reaffirmed that defeating terrorism remains a national priority and that efforts against militant groups would continue.