Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made strong remarks on terrorism, national security, and regional stability while addressing participants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a national workshop.

The prime minister said on Tuesday that the decision to bring and settle terrorists from Afghanistan was a grave mistake, calling it the primary reason behind the resurgence of terrorism in the country.

He questioned who allowed thousands of people from Afghanistan to settle in Pakistan and who was responsible for releasing hundreds of terrorists from Swat, saying these actions had severe consequences for national security.

Terrorism eradicated by 2018

Shehbaz stated that terrorism was completely eradicated in 2018, but poor decisions later reversed those gains.

He emphasized that the operation against terrorism was a collective national decision, and today the state remains fully determined to once again uproot the menace.

Afghan Taliban talks failed

The prime minister revealed that multiple meetings were held with the Afghan Taliban, but they failed to agree to Pakistan’s concerns.

He stressed that establishing lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become unavoidable, given the province’s strategic importance and continued security challenges.

No rift between federation, KP

Rejecting speculation, PM Shehbaz said claims of a “cold war” between the federation and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are false. He reaffirmed that the federal government and provinces are working together, with effective coordination among all security agencies.

Calling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a strategic province, the prime minister paid tribute to its people and security forces for making unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

He said the citizens and law enforcement agencies of KP played a historic role in ensuring peace and security for the entire country.

Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression

Referring to regional tensions, the premier claimed Pakistan shot down seven aircraft in response to Indian aggression in May last year.

He added that Pakistan’s armed forces taught the enemy a lesson that will be remembered for all time, reaffirming the country’s defensive strength.

Shehbaz reiterated that national security is the top priority of the current government. He said a comprehensive strategy is being implemented to address both internal and external security challenges, ensuring that terrorism is eliminated completely and permanently.