- NSC meeting rejects Indian accusations on Pulwama attack
ISLAMABAD, February 21: The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Thursday made a categorical assertion that any aggression from India will be responded befittingly. During the key meeting attended by top government and security officials, the prime minister authorized armed forces to respond to any aggression from the Indian side, in a befitting manner. The meeting categorically rejected Indian allegations on Pulwama attack and said that it was planned and executed at local level in India. “Pakistan has no connection with the attack,” the participants asserted. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that this is a new Pakistan and we are determined to demonstrate to our people that the State is capable of protecting them and believes that monopoly of violence stays with State.
Expressing resolve to defend the motherland, he authorized Armed Forces of Pakistan to respond decisively and comprehensively to any aggression or misadventure by India.
Regarding Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism, he said we recognize that terrorism and extremism are the top issues in the region and the whole region including Pakistan have suffered.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan alone has endured over 70,000 casualties in the process besides heavy loss to national exchequer. He said that is why the National Action Plan conceived and issued in 2014, outlined concrete sequenced measures with consensus of all political parties and institutions of Pakistan.
Having addressed direct threat to State of Pakistan, he said we need to move to ensure that militancy and extremism are routed from the society and the State never becomes hostage to extremists.
In this regard, Prime Minister directed both the interior ministry and the security institutions to immediately accelerate actions on ground.
Participants discussed geo strategic and national security environment and situation arising after the Pulwama Incident.
The statement issued after the meeting said PM had given the authority to armed forces to protect its soil and respond to any aggression. The committee said based on the investigation or any tangible evidence provided, State of Pakistan shall take action against anyone found using our soil. – DNA
