Pak will never allow its security to be jeopardized in any cost: DCC
06 January, 2010
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| ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani chairing the meeting of Defence Committee of Cabinet at the Prime Minister`s House. APP |
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ISLAMABAD: The Defence Committee of the Cabinet on Tuesday took note of efforts to disturb the regional balance in South Asia and underscored that Pakistan will never allow its security to be jeopardized in any manner.
Pakistan’s defense forces and its strategic and conventional capabilities will continue to be strengthened.
It was decided in Defense Committee of the Cabinet met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here Tuesday.
The Meeting was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Chairman Joint Chief of the Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed, Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman, Naval Chief Admiral Noman Basheer besides Cabinet Ministers, members of the Committee, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Services Chiefs.
According to PM House Spokesman, the meeting lasted for more than six hours and in which host of issues came under discussion while methodical review was made on the challenges faced by the country thick and thin.
The DCC reviewed the security challenges faced by Pakistan and expressed satisfaction on the defense preparedness.
The Committee took stock of the challenges faced by Terrorism and expressed satisfaction on the anti-terrorism and law enforcement actions undertaken by the security forces. It was decided to prosecute with full vigour the counter-terrorism campaign.
The DCC noted that the nation was united in its resolve to counter-terrorism and stood fully behind the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in combating terror and for the sacred defence of the motherland.
The Committee renewed the Government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and effectively foil the nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan.
The Committee also commiserated with the families of all those who had fallen victims to terrorism and underscored that the proud Pakistani nation will never forget their sacrifices.
The DCC also deliberated on global and regional developments that were impacting on peace and security of Pakistan.
In this context the DCC affirmed the strong commitment of the Government and people of Pakistan to defend the country’s honour, dignity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
In his opening remarks while presiding over the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) meeting at the PM’s House on Tuesday, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that DCC is the most important forum for defence policy consultations and coordination.
He said the purpose of today’s meeting is to comprehensively evaluate the security situation in the light of global and regional developments and their impact on Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that there is a need to review our ongoing counter-terrorism and law enforcement actions.
The Prime Minister said, "Let me, first of all, express the appreciation of the people and the Government of Pakistan for the exceptional valour, patriotism, and professionalism with which our armed forces, paramilitary forces police, have prosecuted the counter-terrorism and law enforcement actions.
Our armed forces and law enforcement personnel continue to render exemplary services and our nation will never forget their heroic sacrifices, PM said.
I wish to assure you that the whole nation stands firmly united in support of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The government convened All Parties Conference to develop complete national consensus to defeat militancy and terror. Our political leadership has shown that it is united in war against terror, PM emphasized.
Over the recent months we have registered considerable success against terrorists and militants. Law enforcement actions in Swat, Malakand, FATA and most notably in South Waziristan have been executed with precision and in record time, PM pointed.
Pakistan has utilized its own national capacity to execute the counter terror campaign. The success of our efforts stands out in sharp contrast to what the Coalition Forces in neighbouring Afghanistan have been able to achieve over the past nine years, PM stressed.
Pakistan has also utilized its own national capacity to care for the millions affected by terrorism. The exemplary unity, solidarity and generous hospitality of our people were critical to our success in enabling the dislocated persons to return to their homes in a short time. We are now providing rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance, PM stressed.
These programmes are being expedited. Essential services are being restored. Those dislocated by ongoing operations will be enabled to return to their homes, as soon as possible.
I wish to express my profound gratitude to the people of Pakistan for responding generously to my appeal for contributions. Rs. 2.4 billion were deposited in the Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Relief of Victims of Terrorism, PM hinted.
We also appreciate the solidarity and support of the international community for our efforts to help the dislocated persons.
Rs. 10.2 billion were released to NWFP Government during the past six months as cash grant for food and Relief & Rehabilitation. Additionally, Rs. 2.56 billion have been released for South Waziristan. These funds are being utilized for cash assistance, relief and rehabilitation in a very transparent manner, PM underlined.
Separately, we have provided Rs. 7.1 billion to the NWFP Government for law and order capacity building as well as for compensation payments. This is the first installment of the total of Rs. 25 billion allocated for LEAs capacity building. Rs. 332 million have been given to the Interior Ministry for meeting essential security related expenses. A total of Rs. 20.2 billion has been sanctioned during the last six months for the aforementioned purposes. The total allocation from our budget for relief, rehabilitation and capacity building is Rs. 50 billion. For reconstruction phase, the first step i.e Damage Needs Assessment has been completed with the help of World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
This was a pre-requisite for moving to the next stage of operationalizing the Malakand strategy already approved by the Friends of Democratic Pakistan. The government is determine to complete this phase also on fast track.
Our hearts go out in sympathy and solidarity with the families of those who fell victim to acts of terrorism. The enormous civilian casualties have not dented our spirit but only further fortified our resolve to defeat terrorism, PM emphaised.
To look after the affected families, I have decided to contribute an amount of Rs. 500 million for "Shuhada Trust Fund" and additionally Rs. 50 million for each province has also been allocated for Shuhada Trust Fund.
In recognition of the sacrifices rendered by our Armed Forces, despite resource constraints, the Government has already announced a pay increase of defence services. The impact of this pay increase will be an additional amount of Rs. 46 billion annually. Defence needs and requirements will continue to receive our utmost attention, PM noted.
Pakistan is a peace-loving country. We will continue to endeavour to promote peace, security and stability in our region. We have for over three decades shouldered the burden of 3.5 million Afghan refugees. We continue to be directly impacted by the conflict in Afghanistan. Restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan, is a matter of direct and legitimate interest to Pakistan. We will continue to play a constructive role in this regard, PM said.
Strategic stability in South Asia is a pre-requisite for enduring peace and prosperity for the peoples of this region. We are mindful of the policies and trends that could undermine strategic stability in our region. Pakistan will be obliged to counter such negative trends by all appropriate means, PM said.
No one should underestimate the strong resolve of our people, political leadership and the capability of our defence forces to protect the honour, dignity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our motherland.
All state institutions with the full support of the nation are determined to work in unison for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. The strength and resilience of our nation has been tested before. I have no doubt that at this particular juncture with Grace of Almighty Allah, we shall overcome all transient challenges and emerge even stronger and victorious", he concluded.
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