Civil-military leadership discuss internal security
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ISLAMABAD: A high level meeting on internal security chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed on Tuesday matters relating to current security situation and emphasised for more concerted efforts to counter militancy across the country.
The meeting was announced shortly after terrorists attacked Karachi airport in an assault that left 29 people dead.
“Matters relating to internal and regional security including Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata), Karachi and Balochistan were discussed,” said a short statement issued by the PM House where the meeting was held.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad and Head of Counterintelligence ISI Maj Gen Nasir Dilawar Shah, the statement said.
Sources privy to the meeting told Dawn.com that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam were not present at the meeting.
They said that Prime Minister Sharif emphasised on the need for improving intelligence sharing among the centre and provinces to counter terrorism. He said all resources would be provided to the intelligence agencies for tracking the movement of militants.
Initial report on Karachi airport attack also came into discussion and the premier directed the concerned authorities to further beef-up security at all civilian airports across the country.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed dismay over the death of seven people trapped in cold storage facilities at the airport, said the sources. He also showed his annoyance at the concerned departments’ failure to accept responsibility for the negligence.
Army Chief General Sharif briefed the meeting about targets achieved during the airstrike carried out in Tirah Valley bordering Afghanistan.
Situation in Balochistan in the wake of recent terrorist attacks on Shia pilgrims also came under discussion. The civil-military leadership of the country strongly condemned the Taftan attack.
Prime Minister Sharif directed that fool-proof security must be provided to pilgrims.
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On DawnNews
Comments (71) Closed
Jun 10, 2014 05:13pm
There should be one point agenda, when to start the military operation and what are the goals
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Jun 10, 2014 05:13pm
"Emergency Meeting" taking place after two days? Should have waited for another week till his holy highness recovered from his binge eating of Nihari and Paya..
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Jun 10, 2014 05:14pm
Again MEETING? for what?
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Jun 10, 2014 05:17pm
Is Mariam Nawaz attending?
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Jun 10, 2014 05:17pm
Sort this mess out....what a shame....
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Jun 10, 2014 05:18pm
Nawazullah and Shabazullah planning how to keep
Punjab safe. The Khadim i Aala will be present too.
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Jun 10, 2014 05:22pm
in my view before a meeting of 'National Security' we need 'National Scrutiny' after an incident of this magnitude... elected in parliament doesn't mean they are capable as well!
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Jun 10, 2014 05:37pm
Glad the PM could spare the time to deal with the very survival of the motherland.
Forget sending Saris to India, deal with our issues
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Jun 10, 2014 05:43pm
In say kuch nai hona...
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Jun 10, 2014 05:44pm
I wonder what this collective brain power is discussing. This is the prime example of closing the barn door after the horse have bolted.
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Jun 10, 2014 05:44pm
we hope so
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Jun 10, 2014 05:45pm
Keep an eye on you railway stations.
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Jun 10, 2014 05:49pm
I do not expect a clear and firm decision by a PM who is no where to be seen on national scene. He can be found in only three places, i.e. foreign countries, his Murree retreat, and his Raiwind palace. Even retired people are more busy than this PM.
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Jun 10, 2014 05:53pm
No, this is not the time for another meeting and another set of recommendations. This is the time to act.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:00pm
Please take this matter as a serious task and make example for the others to show the resolve of the state of Pakistan.
Pakistan paenda baad !
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Jun 10, 2014 06:03pm
START WITH THE MADRASSAS - Pakistan needs to realize that these Talibani, LeT, Hafiz Al Saeed's of this world are the products of the numerous madrassas who have had a free ride so far on what they teach/brain wash/misguide the young. Besides reviewing the security forces, it's time the govt. either takes control of what is actually being taught there or simply cut them down to size.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:14pm
Churchill was so right about our nation at the time of independence. He said something to the fact that these beggars will ruin this country.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:24pm
These are clueless bunch. Problem lies inside Afghanistan, cross the border, go inside and finish it off once and for all. At the same time a certain neighbor needs to treated like the way it used to be in 80s.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:33pm
Just get together meeting,until and unless the agencies ready to work under the constitution.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:37pm
Every attack is followed by a meeting, and every meeting is followed by silence, and every silence is
followed by an attack and every attack is . . . .
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Jun 10, 2014 06:42pm
Forget meetings, its time to act now, give Sind to under Army control to clear all the mess created by provincial and local Govt.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:51pm
Everytime an incident like this happens, Nawaz and party start holding emergency meetings. It should have been clear from the first meeting what needs to be done.
This has pushed Pakistan to a "Failed State" - read what the foreign news media are saying. Our self-elected government has no idea what to do.
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Jun 10, 2014 06:59pm
Start rounding up all afghans and Chechens and Uzbeks who are undocumented. It's a war now. Put them in incarceration.
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Jun 10, 2014 07:03pm
emergency tea party meeting...
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Jun 10, 2014 07:11pm
so many brains in one room. wonder what the outcome will be
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Jun 10, 2014 07:52pm
In this time of crises PM should be at the Karachi Airport, to see what went on.
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Jun 10, 2014 07:59pm
Security meeting will not be useful until it purely handled by army. No trust on Nawaz and his ministers
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Jun 10, 2014 08:08pm
The same old bunch in the same old environment ! This does not look like a business meeting, but a tea party of people with no imagination, vision, resolve and leadership. Nothing will come out of it!
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Jun 10, 2014 08:28pm
Let me solve your problem PM and Pak Army a big operation is needed in South Punjab. All these people attacking rest of Pakistan are hiding in South Punjab.
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Jun 10, 2014 09:07pm
Whose head should roll? That should be the only agenda.....period.
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Jun 10, 2014 09:16pm
Same old faces that lead us to this failure.
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Jun 10, 2014 09:17pm
Army chief sitting at the same level with the PM. What point they want to get across? There cannot be two Army Chiefs but there can be two Prime Ministers?
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Jun 10, 2014 09:18pm
Look at the seating arrangement. It looks like PM is talking to counterpart from some other Country. It says everything
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Jun 10, 2014 09:18pm
Mian Sahib has been having such reviews after each big terrorist attack. has anything worthwhile ever come out of them?
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Jun 10, 2014 09:20pm
Useless and worthless PM and Interior minister
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Jun 10, 2014 09:21pm
Defence Minister Khawja Asif and ISI chief Zaheer-ul-Islam were not present at the meeting.
Why?
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Jun 10, 2014 09:28pm
"Sources quoted the prime minister as saying that terrorist activities will not be tolerated"
But that is precisely what the Prime Minister and his muppet friend Chaudhry Nisar are doing. By not enforcing the rule of law they are tolerating terrorism. I agree with Saeed there should only be a one point agenda: When do we start military options and what resources the army needs to expedite them?
The time for discussing strategy is over.
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Jun 10, 2014 09:42pm
Start the Military Operation Already!
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Jun 10, 2014 09:44pm
The national will has never been so united against the terrorists. Mr PM Sir, the nation is behind you and the army. Please order them to start the operation now. Lets not delay any longer. More innocent lives will be lost.
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Jun 10, 2014 09:50pm
Meetings are just ways to neutralise the seriousness and rage of people.A great leader would have taken all the tough steps within seconds this attack took place. And would not have been witnessing another attack..but I think our PM is busy buying gifts for his counterparts...
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Jun 10, 2014 10:04pm
Time to reshuffle the cabinet?
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Jun 10, 2014 10:05pm
Can't understand why endless meeting are being held, when results of all previous meetings had been a big ZERO.
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Jun 10, 2014 10:05pm
If past few months is any indication, they would make an air strike or two now and stop, TTP will attack again after few weeks and then another air strike will follow. Thats it, this pattern not going to help citizens.
A full fledged operation, and declaring openly war against terrorists and winnging against them will give Pakistan a chance to start fresh and work towards revival of the economy.
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Jun 10, 2014 10:45pm
Nawaz Sharif comes across as person INCAPABLE OF MAKING A DECISION .
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Jun 10, 2014 10:57pm
Too bad another opportunity lost to convey to the public that there are no good or bad terrorists. Anyone using a weapon against the state or neighboring state will be killed. This kind of message will remove any ambiguity and sends a clear message to the terrorist. It is also time to build a regional block(Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Russia, Uzbekistan) to combat terror collectively.
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Jun 10, 2014 11:37pm
A meeting should also be conducted to ascertain the outcomes of the meetings, no visible outcome of these meetings.
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Jun 10, 2014 11:41pm
Why does it seem like they are 2 parties from different countries.!? Why PM is sitting equal to Army chief!!
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Jun 10, 2014 11:53pm
Sad that poor people are dying to save rich people who travel through airports. Who would want to lose their life for a mere 20,000 rupees, but rich will forget everything by next week and this will continue...
More will die in the line of duty due to criminal negligence of intelligence agencies, politicians, government, and generals. Its either poor policeman, a soldier, or an airport security guard. Can you at least provide them night vision goggles, a bullet proof jacket and a gun that actually works.
There wasn't any specific intelligence information to preempt this act of terror. I can provide this useless info. right now.
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Jun 10, 2014 11:53pm
Pakistan Government doesn't have capacity to see the bigger picture. Enemy is on path to eliminate Pakistan without any mercy.
The best solution is to fence and seal the border with Afghanistan. Cut off commercial trade between Afghanistan and rest of the world via Pakistan for next 5 years. This blockade should be non-negotiable.
There will be a visible change on the ground. It is time to take bold decisions.
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Jun 11, 2014 12:01am
Prime Minister Sharif directed that fool-proof security must be provided to pilgrims.
Why don't you record this message and hit play after every attack on innocent people.
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Jun 11, 2014 12:04am
@Qamar --Reminds me of his buddy and partner in power sharing, Mr. Zardari, who stayed in Paris and London with his kids (on vacation) when country was facing natural disasters and crisis. How lucky Pakistan is to be run by such twins!!!
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Jun 11, 2014 12:38am
Meeting after meeting but it is all reactive. It takes an iron will and guts to take decisive action. We have none.
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Jun 11, 2014 01:03am
The current is failing to protect economy (Taking loan from IMF), failing to provide electric and water, failing to provide security, failing to provide jobs, failing to protect people of Baluchistan and failing to control inflation. Same goes to the previous government. These emergency meeting will not do anything for people of Pakistan.....
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Jun 11, 2014 01:05am
Many clueless in the meeting have gone bald scratching their head and wondering what can be done next.
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Jun 11, 2014 01:18am
@Saeed :.. Couldn't agree more ! I don't understand what the premier and COAS are up to? It appears that it was one of the "usual" meetings where they just sat together, had a chit chat over what happened in Karachi, had some tea as well and later disassembled. I mean why is not a clear cut policy being put in front of the nation? Why are they not telling us exactly what are they going to do except "we need more security. Because it's the airport which had been attacked this time, therefore, let's us beef up security on all airports. Next time when they attack a railway station, then troops shall be deployed on railway stations. Why are not prepared for what is coming towards them? They keep on telling us that military is fully capable of dealing with terrorism. Now I am fully enlightened about the capacity and capability of our military as well!
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Jun 11, 2014 01:27am
There are two main requirements to be a leader
1: Integrity/Honesty
2: Capability
Unfortunately, our so called leaders are lacking both. Even if some of them are honest, they dont have ability/skills to run the govt.
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Jun 11, 2014 01:43am
What is left to be discussed? PML-N government has not worked out a strategy even after one year in office. It is not matter of part politics this government must resign
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Jun 11, 2014 01:44am
Does our Prime Minister really know how to handle crisis? He calls in meetings, expresses his "dismay", directs full investigation, demands answers and then what? In the year that he has been governing, are there any accomplishments? The country keep deteriorating and no one, either civilian or military knows how to turn things around! It is pathetic, since we do have the manpower - unfortunately, what we lack is the leadership!
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Jun 11, 2014 01:50am
@Parvez He is incapable of making anything, except bogus claims.
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Jun 11, 2014 02:12am
These guys have been sitting in this drawing room debating since the independence. What has this achieved so far ? Pakistan has deteriorated ever since. Its just amazing to see how things never change in pakistan. I have been seeing the same glimpses since i was 5. Now i am 45.
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Jun 11, 2014 03:41am
Meeting has started. Picture on the wall is hung crooked (see photograph). Straighten it out. Pass biscuits, please. Thank you. Pass tea, please. Thank you. Make announcement about how important it is to have national security. Make same announcement again. Thank you. Done.
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Jun 11, 2014 03:47am
- please take some action with good substance.
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Jun 11, 2014 03:58am
You guys make me laugh. I am not going to sugarcoat it anymore, YES, you make me laugh! You think an 'operation' within your country would solve the problem. Just think about it. The only problem before 2001 was Karachi. Now its the whole of FATA and balochistan. So you want an operation in the whole of FATA and balochistan. Is that going to help you get the ones responsible or are you just going to go in there and kill indiscriminately? Do you have a list of people to get? Ever considered giving the locals equal rights, equally good schools and hospitals and roads and infrastructure. Oh, I forgot, you've never stepped foot in those areas. You don't have a strategy and no plan whatsoever. You've never even met them. You don't even know them! But you do want to KILL them. Great! Wrong approach.
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Jun 11, 2014 04:19am
It's it me or it just looks like afternoon get together at a country club for a cup of tea? It shows how serious these leaders are? I expected a high profile meeting picture showcasing our leaders working hard on this issue. I was expecting to see these people working through a a serious workign session with notes/Intel report/intel imagery to be reviewing instead of drawing room chit chat.
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Jun 11, 2014 05:07am
time to identify the real enemy and act swiftly and ruthlessly
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Jun 11, 2014 05:23am
Pakistani militants were trained and encouraged by Pakistani state for many decades to conduct proxy wars against Pakistan's neighbors; these same militants now have become battle hardened and will not rest until they get some power to run parts of the country. The Army alone can not finish them off since they hide among innocent civilians.
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Jun 11, 2014 06:21am
Prime Minister and COAS sitting at the head and COAS on the right side of PM,and all the Generals on the right side and civilian on the left.(According to the protocal only head of Govt/State sits on the right of PM)
To me it looks negotiations of the equals.
Am I reading too much in the photo/picture?
Surinder Singh Kade.
New York
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Jun 11, 2014 06:26am
Where is this country heading to...?? Do we hve any future...??
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Jun 11, 2014 06:43am
It has now become funny to read about yet another meeting which reviews "internal and regional security matters". Come on - please get off your dime and take bold actions to eliminate those who are destroying Pakistan. Review and discussion time is over - now go to work. BTW, why is the chief of Army sitting next to the PM?
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Jun 11, 2014 07:39am
You guys see the background picture of Quad-e-azam in the posted picture of the meeting? I feel like he is looking at them and tears are shedding from his eyes
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Jun 11, 2014 07:49am
Can someone asks these leaders to find out who is feeding those terrorists and then cut their source/supply of weapons and money? They cant make sophisticated weapons in those mountains and cant survive without being funded BIG MONEY. If there is a cancer, taking pain killers wont cure it.
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