Failure to eliminate terrorism/extremism is no option: COAS

LAHORE: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif Saturday said the key to success lies in whole hearted participation of society and ensuring harmony among all intelligence and law enforcing agencies at every level.

Speaking at a special meeting of the Punjab Apex Committee was held at Corps Headquarters Lahore, the COAS said: “Failure to eliminate all manifestations of extremism and terrorism at the grass roots level in our country is not an option, no matter what the cost.”

He said yesterday APC’s resolve of the national leadership to root out terrorism from our soil will serve as a force multiplier. He assured the forum of Army's full support to Provincial Government for judicious and speedy action against all forces of evil on the soil of Pakistan.

Chief Minister Punjab appreciated the whole-hearted support of Pakistan Army and reiterated the resolve of Punjab Government to cleanse his province of terrorism and extremism. He emphasized the importance of joint execution of a comprehensive security plan within laid down parameters and timelines.

In a bid to coordinate the security and to implement the recently approved National Action Plan (NAP), Provincial Apex committees have been formed in all provinces which will constitute both military and political leadership.

The today’s meeting of the Punjab Apex Committee was held to kick off the process of implementation.

Besides the COAS and CM Punjab, the meeting was attended by senior provincial officials besides Corps Comds from across the province.

The forum reviewed the prevalent internal security situation in the Province in the context of National Action Plan.