ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief Gen Raheel Sharif vowed on Wednesday to continue efforts to wipe out terrorism and extremism and said that the nation’s determination to counter the menace had not been affected by the strike in Charsadda.

“The prime minister and the chief of army staff agreed that the war against terrorism and extremism will continue with full might,” said a statement issued by the premier’s office after Mr Sharif talked to the army chief from Zurich on phone to discuss the Bacha Khan University attack.

Mr Sharif and Gen Raheel resolved that the fight against militancy, which enjoyed support of the nation, would be taken to its logical end of elimination of terrorism.

The prime minister directed security agencies to go after the patrons, financiers, handlers and planners of the attack.

Mr Sharif, in a conversation with Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali, said the university assault was an attack on Pakistan and “will see a ruthless response by the state”.

The prime minister said the terrorists and their financiers “will see our national resolve to eliminate terror”.

He said the nation was united (against terror) and announced one-day mourning on Thursday when the national flag would fly at half mast.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2016