Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday denounced the terror attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghan soil. He declared these attacks “unacceptable” and emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to protect its citizens, while also seeking a peaceful resolution.
At a federal cabinet meeting, Shehbaz Sharif noted the rise in terror incidents, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of army, police, and civil armed forces personnel.
The prime minister described the terrorism wave as a plot against Pakistan, coinciding with the coalition government’s development efforts. Despite challenges, Pakistan reached a Staff Level Agreement with the IMF and announced a three-month relief package for 96% of domestic power consumers.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Afghanistan’s role in the increased terrorism. He mentioned ongoing interactions with Afghanistan, including a visit by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
“We hosted millions of their people without complaint, treating them as brothers, not a burden. In return, we faced TTP attacks on our citizens, disrupting peace and business. This is not acceptable,” he said.
Pakistan is prepared to face any situation, he added, praising the sacrifices of the armed forces.
The prime minister also addressed the May 9 riots. He noted that perpetrators attacked parliament, PTV, and besieged the PM House in the past. They now use new tactics to malign the country and its armed forces, including a malicious campaign against Army Chief General Asim Munir from the official website of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
“We will not tolerate any actions against the country, its innocent people, and armed forces,” he said, calling for national unity to protect national interests.
Shehbaz Sharif announced a decision to abolish visa fees for 126 countries to boost business, tourism, and travel. This move, after thorough discussion, will be presented to the cabinet for consideration.
The prime minister stated that the loss in visa fees would be offset by foreign exchange from investment and tourism, including religious tourism. Visitors will get visas within 24 hours through the electronic travel authorization form. E-gates will be set up at Gwadar Port and initially at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports.
Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s unprecedented human rights abuses against Palestinians. Around 40,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children and women, have been killed. Despite UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions and the International Court of Justice’s decision, Israel continues its oppression, which is highly condemnable.
The prime minister also drew attention to attacks on Pakistan’s missions in Germany and London. The Foreign Office has addressed these issues, and the concerned countries’ envoys should be given demarches to seek protection for Pakistan’s missions.
