ISLAMABAD: Following a meeting of the apex committee held at the PM House to review the progress of the National Action Plan, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced on Thursday that those challenging the writ of the government will be crushed.

Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, Chaudhry Nisar said that key terrorist leaders were willing to lay down their arms.

He added that more time was required to eliminate terrorism from the country.

The federal interior minister also emphasised on the need of bringing various non-government organisations (NGOs) under a uniform system. He said that thousands of NGOs were operating in the country but there is no available information regarding who is doing what and how they (NGOs) are funded.

Nisar also proposed the formation of a database of NGOs with cooperation of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

The minister clarified that the government did not intend to bar NGOs entirely; it wishes to facilitate them.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stressed the need for implementing all points on the NAP agenda with a joint approach to eliminate terrorism, Radio Pakistan reported.

He was addressing a meeting of the National Apex Committee which reviewed progress on implementation of the NAP besides discussing the future course of action.

The premier said all state institutions will have to remain on the same page to expedite activities against terrorists and corrupt elements. He said collective wisdom must prevail while taking decisions to make NAP a success.

“All agencies will have to remain vigilant besides improving their capacity to overcome the menace of terrorism.”

The premier said “it is our collective responsibility to join hands for complete success of the plan.”

The meeting was attended by governors, chief ministers, AJK Prime Minister Abdul Majeed, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, heads of intelligence agencies and the Nadra chairman.

Briefing newsmen about the meeting, Chaudhry Nisar said “those who try to defame Islam will be taken to task with cooperation of the Ulema, the media, and the civil society.”

The meeting acknowledged the successes achieved against terrorism with the support of the nation and media, and the joint efforts of government institutions.