ISLAMABAD: In light of the spike in terror incidents in parts of the country, a second round of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting will be convened on Monday (today) to take “key decisions” concerning security and the economy.

On Friday, the high-level body vowed to eradicate terrorism with full force and without any distinction before postponing the moot till Monday (today) so decisions could be finalised in view of proposals.

Since it is quite unusual that NSC meeting continues into a second round, it is believed that decisions would be taken not only to deal with terrorism but also to stabilise the country’s crippling economy.

A source in the government said the civil and military leadership resolved that Pakistan, which remained the worst victim of terrorism in the world, had gained peace after a long war on terror that began in 2001.

The state will not allow terrorism to resurface because peace was gained through the sacrifices of thousands of Pakistani citizens, it added.

Over the past few months, the law and order situation in the country has worsened, with terrorist groups like the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the militant Islamic State group, and Gul Bahadur Group executing attacks with near impunity across the country.

Insurgents in Balochistan have also stepped up their violent activities and formalised a nexus with the TTP.

The incident at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police’s Counter-Terrorism Department interrogation centre in Bannu and the suicide bombing attempt in Islamabad not only set off alarm bells in the power corridors but also left several countries worried about the security of their nationals.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2023