ISLAMABAD - Giving a unanimous affirmative nod to the National Security Policy (NSP), the federal cabinet reached the conclusion that talks could only be resumed in case of unconditional and unilateral cessation of hostilities by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
While chairing the cabinet meeting, the prime minister underlined the importance of enhancing national security for safeguarding the lives and property of the people as well as attracting foreign investment by a peaceful and friendly environment.
Sources aware of the deliberations informed The Nation that all the cabinet members agreed to the stance that talks could only be resumed once the Taliban came up with unconditional ceasefire and its effective implementation on the ground.
The sources further said the cabinet fully supported the targeted airstrikes against militants in the restive tribal areas and recommended that the same should continue.
The federal cabinet also approved special arrangements for the displaced people who had to leave the troubled areas on account of the operation against the militants.
The cabinet further decided to form a committee for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan. Federal Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch would head the committee which would directly coordinate with the prime minister.
Anticipating a full-blown military operation in North Waziristan Agency, around 40,000 people, including women and children, from Mir Ali, Miranshah and other adjoining areas have reportedly migrated to safer places through the Bannu route. The federal cabinet decided to provide all basic necessaries to IDPs.
The National Policy for Internal Security approved at Tuesday’s meeting would be announced today (Wednesday) on the floor of the National Assembly by the prime minister himself.
Earlier, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar tabled the five-year security policy before the federal cabinet and briefed the members on the overall law and order situation in the country as well as the measures being taken to combat militancy. The minister would give a detailed policy statement on the floor of the House today (Wednesday).
The prime minister, in his opening remarks, said that the government is determined to counter all challenges and steer the country out of crises. He said the situation is improving and the national economy showing a steady progress. The GDP would further improve in the days to come, he added.
He said all necessary steps would be taken to restore peace and put Pakistan on the path to progress and prosperity.
Discussing the country’s economy, the prime minister observed that the prudent energy policy of the government had produced good results.
He said electricity and gas supply had improved as compared to the previous year due to better planning and management. “We are hopeful that the situation will get better in future.”
The prime minister stated that foreign investors, especially China, are taking a keen interest in Pakistan and have pledged to invest about $ 50 billion in different projects over the next five years.
The Chinese investment of US$ 35 billion would be in the power sector, including solar, wind and hydel, he informed the cabinet.
The prime minister further said that projects of paramount national importance, including Karachi-Lahore Motorway, 10 coal-based power projects in Gaddani Power Park and upgrade of Raikot-Haripur section would be executed with the assistance of the Chinese government.