LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that all institutions in the country are united in the fight against terrorism.

Talking to a delegation of the United Arab Emirates at his residence in Raiwind on Saturday, the prime minister said that Operation Zarb-i-Azb was being carried out successfully and the government would eliminate the menace of terrorism. “Pakistan’s main focus is to eliminate terrorism,” he said.

All political parties have gathered on one platform on the issue, he said, adding it would help the country rid of terrorism.

The Arab princes condemned the killing of schoolchildren in Peshawar and expressed solidarity with the grieving families. They offered the UAE’s help in fight against terrorism.

PM Sharif also held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed measures against terrorism.

Shahbaz Sharif said terrorism had caused an irreparable loss to the country and had to be rooted out.

He expressed the hope that the country by remaining united would win the war against terrorism at any cost. He noted that the nation had united against terrorism. “We have to make Pakistan a peaceful state and provide a safer Pakistan to next generation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2014