Days of terrorists are numbered, says PM

Published December 25, 2014
Screengrab showing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the nation.
Screengrab showing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the nation.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his address to the nation after midnight said the days of terrorists were numbered in Pakistan and they would be dealt with an iron hand.

In his televised speech, the prime minister said the terrorist attack on Army Public School in Peshawar has changed Pakistan.

“The Peshawar atrocity has changed Pakistan, we need to eradicate the mindset of terrorism to defeat extremism and sectarianism," he said.

“This horrendous attack has shaken the nation…the terrorists struck the future of this country when they murdered those children,” the PM said, adding, "A strong action is needed to root out the menace of extremism from society."

PM Sharif explained that political parties had reached a consensus on setting up military manned ‘special tribunals’ to deal with terrorism related cases.

He said that the courts will be set-up for a term of two years.

Read more: Political leaders reach consensus on military courts

The PM explained other points in the national action plan including the raising of an anti-terrorism task force.

He also stressed on the decision to put a complete blackout of militant groups on media, along with placing strict measures to prevent terrorists from using the internet and social media to spread their propaganda.

Other measures include making Necta functional, regularisation of madrassas, repatriation of Afghan refugees and cutting finances of terrorist groups.

He stressed that Pakistan will not allow its soil to be used for attacks on its neighbours and it expects the same from others in the region.

The prime minister said banned outfits will not be allowed to operate under 'new' names and no armed militia will be allowed to form in Pakistan.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...