The forum resumed its meeting on the security situation, having held its first round on the issue last week (30 December).
In today's session, the forum said acts of terror will be dealt with full force of the state. "Pakistan’s security is uncompromisable and the the state's writ will be maintained on every inch of it," stated a communiqué issued by the Prime Minister's Office at the conclusion of the NSC meeting.
The meeting was attended by the relevant federal cabinet ministers, senior military officials including the chairman JCSC General Shamshad and all services chiefs, as well as the heads of intelligence services.
The NSC was briefed on the country's overall security situation, with a particular focus on recent terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to the statement, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the war against terrorism will be led by federal and provincial governments as per National Action Plan, and in accordance with National Internal Security Policy. The premier instructed the forum that people centric socio-economic development must remain the priority.
"Armed Forces will provide resolute deterrence and secure conducive and enabling environment," the prime minister said.
The NSC was informed that Provincial Apex Committees were being revived, and that the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, especially provincial counterterrorism departments (CTDs), will be improved to the "required standards".
The forum resolved that "no country would be allowed to provide sanctuaries and facilitation to terrorists" and "Pakistan reserves all rights... to safeguard her people".
https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1610112854945849344
Economic stability
The NSC underscored that comprehensive national security was based on economic security and sovereignty or dignity comes under stress without self-sufficiency and economic independence.
The committee comprehensively reviewed the ongoing economic situation vis-à-vis challenges being faced by the common people of Pakistan.
Finance minister Ishaq Dar briefed the NSC on the economic stability road map of the government, including the status of discussions with international financial institutions. The minister also proposed exploring other financial avenues based on mutual interests, as well as relief measures for the common people.
In order to strengthen the economy, the committee concurred on implementation of concrete steps, including import rationalisation, preventing illegal currency outflows, and improving the country's AI/ML enforcement regime especially against the 'hawala' business.
Emphasis was given to improving agricultural output and manufacturing sector capacity to ensure food security, import substitution, and employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens.
The NSC resolved that its priority will remain on people centric economic policies with "trickle down effects" to common people. It was agreed to involve all stakeholders to develop a real consensus on actualizing effective economic recovery on "fast track" timeline.
While taking into account the efforts for rehabilitation of 33 million flood affectees, the NSC resolved to mobilize all resources for the reconstruction of their homes and villages, in coordination with provincial governments and multilateral financial institutions. The participants also appreciated the ongoing relief efforts led by the PM and federating units.