Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Warns of Growing Threats to National Security
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently addressed the growing threats to Pakistan’s national security, emphasizing the increasing role of both internal and external forces working to destabilize the country. His comments came during a security workshop at the prestigious National Defence University, where he discussed the intertwined nature of Pakistan’s economy and national security.
The Link Between National Security and Economic Stability
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the direct relationship between Pakistan’s national security and its economic well-being. He noted that the recent political unrest and protests have significantly hurt the country’s economic stability, with the stock market suffering substantial losses.
“The economy and national security must progress hand in hand. Unfortunately, the recent political instability, including protests and disturbances, has taken a toll on our economic environment,” he explained.
He went on to highlight the sharp decline in the stock market, which saw a dramatic loss of 4,000 points due to the protests. However, in a sign of resilience, Pakistan’s stock market made an impressive recovery, surpassing the 100,000-point mark, marking a historical achievement for the country.
Stock Market Milestone Amid Political Turmoil
During his speech, Prime Minister Sharif congratulated the nation for this significant achievement. “I want to extend my congratulations to everyone as our stock exchange has now surpassed 100,000 points,” he stated. However, he was quick to remind the audience that the achievement was not the result of any individual, but rather the collective efforts of the government, finance ministers, and the entire team.
Despite this achievement, the Prime Minister cautioned about the negative consequences of the political unrest that had marred the country’s recent stability. He acknowledged that just two days earlier, the stock exchange had suffered a considerable loss due to the protests. However, the market managed to recover, bouncing back and even surpassing the 100,000-point milestone.
The Threat of Internal and External Forces
Prime Minister Sharif did not shy away from mentioning the growing internal and external threats facing Pakistan. He warned of the efforts of “enemies of the state” who were actively working to destabilize Pakistan and spread hatred. He stated that these forces were deliberately inciting violence and chaos in a bid to destabilize the country’s political and economic systems.
“Enemies of the state are working to create division and unrest in Pakistan,” Prime Minister Sharif said, emphasizing that the government and the people of Pakistan must work together to combat these forces and ensure the nation’s protection.
Economic Recovery Amid Setbacks
While the economic challenges facing Pakistan are far from over, Prime Minister Sharif shared some encouraging news. He pointed to the efforts made by the government to secure Pakistan’s financial future, particularly through the country’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In June 2023, Pakistan was on the brink of default. However, after intense negotiations, the government managed to secure a 37-month agreement with the IMF, which provided the much-needed financial support to stabilize Pakistan’s economy. The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan would not seek additional financial assistance from the IMF after the completion of the current agreement, signaling a move toward greater financial independence.
Terrorism and Security Challenges in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
Prime Minister Sharif also touched upon the ongoing security challenges, particularly in the regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He acknowledged the resurgence of terrorism in these areas, noting that the country had witnessed several tragic incidents in recent months. Despite the difficult circumstances, he praised the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces in confronting these threats.
“Terrorism is resurging in certain regions, and we are witnessing tragic events in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. However, our armed forces are doing everything in their power to confront this threat head-on,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
Economic Losses Due to Terrorism
The Prime Minister also emphasized the significant economic impact of terrorism on Pakistan, which has incurred an estimated loss of $130 billion in its fight against terrorism. This loss not only represents the cost of lives and resources but also undermines the overall stability of the country, hindering growth and development in the affected areas.
Despite the challenges, Sharif assured the people that the government was committed to overcoming these hurdles and restoring peace and stability in the affected regions. He reiterated that the resilience shown by the people and the armed forces would ensure that Pakistan’s path to progress remains uninterrupted.
FAQs:
1. What are the internal and external threats to Pakistan’s stability?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned of enemies within and outside the country working to destabilize Pakistan by inciting violence, creating unrest, and spreading hatred to undermine the nation’s political and economic systems.
2. How has Pakistan’s economy performed amid political unrest?
Despite political instability and protests, Pakistan’s economy has shown signs of recovery, particularly with the stock market surpassing the 100,000-point mark, a historic achievement. This reflects investor optimism and economic resilience.
3. What steps have been taken to prevent Pakistan from defaulting on its financial obligations?
In June 2023, Pakistan was on the brink of default but managed to secure a 37-month agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which provided financial stability to the country. The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan would not seek further IMF assistance after the current agreement.
4. What role do the armed forces play in combating terrorism in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s armed forces are actively combating the resurgence of terrorism in regions like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Despite tragic incidents, the armed forces continue to confront these security threats to restore peace and stability.
5. How has terrorism affected Pakistan’s economy?
Terrorism has caused significant economic losses to Pakistan, estimated at $130 billion. This impact has hindered development and stability, particularly in the affected regions, but efforts are ongoing to counter these challenges.
