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.