Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its nuclear programme, despite recent US sanctions targeting the country’s ballistic missile initiatives.
Sanctions and US Concerns
The sanctions, imposed under Executive Order 13382, targeted four entities involved in Pakistan’s missile programme, including the National Development Complex (NDC). Washington claims these entities support long-range ballistic missile development, potentially enabling Pakistan to strike beyond South Asia, including the US.
Strong Response from Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear programme exists solely for defence. He rejected any external pressure, stating, “There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear programme.”
The FO also highlighted the detrimental impact of the sanctions on regional stability. It dismissed US apprehensions, emphasizing that a superpower should not feel threatened by Pakistan’s defence initiatives.
Commitment to Counter Terrorism
The prime minister condemned a recent terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 17 security personnel. Referring to the attackers as “khawarij,” he praised the resilience of the armed forces, who eliminated eight terrorists during the operation.
Shehbaz Sharif vowed to eradicate terrorism, declaring, “We will not rest until the head of terrorism is crushed.” He expressed concern over rising terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, including sectarian violence in Kurram district, which has been devastated by tribal clashes resulting in over 200 deaths since July. The premier also confirmed that all resources are being deployed to counter terrorism in collaboration with provincial administrations.
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Hope for Political Consensus
Addressing political matters, Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about recent discussions with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest over personal agendas and expressed hope that talks between political committees would yield constructive outcomes.
Economic Optimism and Regional Cooperation
The prime minister also shared positive updates on the economy, noting that inflation has dropped to its lowest level since 2018, and exports are steadily increasing.
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