LAHORE:Experts have said terrorism is not merely a security challenge but a complex issue that has far-reaching consequences for national security, economy, education, investment, social harmony and public confidence.
They also said India sponsors terrorism poses a threat to neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.These views were expressed at a seminar titled “The role and importance of Pakistan Army in countering rising threat of terrorism in Pakistan”, organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers) in collaboration with Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS).
The seminar was chaired by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Federal Minister and Chairman of Kashmir Committee Rana Qasim Noon and Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir were the chief guests. Opening remarks were delivered by Aziz Ahmad Awan, Chief Organizer, Advisor and Coordinator of PESS.
Other participants included Khawaja Farhan Aziz, Director General of Civil Services Academy; Brig (retd) Nadir Mir, senior journalist Rais Ansari, Senator Sheikh Atiq, Prof Dr M Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor of University of Punjab, Falahat Imran, President of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Professor Dr Yasir Nawab, Vice Chancellor of University of Kamalia; Brigadier (r) Tariq Farooq Hameed, Rear Admiral (r) Naveed Ahmed Rizvi, Professor Dr Arsha Mir of Mass Communication Department at Lahore College for Women University, Shaheen Malik, Dr Saeed Elahi and Hamid Raza.
The event was hosted by Wasif Nagi, Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society.Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad said Pakistan Armed Forces are a source of pride for the nation and that no one would be allowed to undermine their dignity. He said India’s intelligence agency RAW was supporting anti-Pakistan elements.
Referring to criticism of military’s political role, he said past political decisions should also be taken into consideration. Although Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a respected figure, he should apologise for his remarks concerning the country’s martyrs, he added.
Khawaja Farhan Aziz said national progress depends on respecting all state institutions, including educational and parliamentary institutions. He urged the nation to remain united with Pakistan Army in the face of country’s current challenges.
Rana Qasim Noon said entire nation stands with Pakistan Armed Forces. He said Pakistan and other countries had been affected by terrorism sponsored by India and condemned use of proxy groups.
Khawaja Imran Nazir said before confronting terrorism, the nation must first engage in self-accountability. Referring to events of May 9, he described them as a tragedy in which national heroes were disrespected.
He stressed the entire nation stands behind the armed forces.Aziz Ahmad Awan said Pakistan Army has played a vital role in eliminating terrorism for decades and made immense sacrifices to protect the country. He described the bond between the people and armed forces as strong and enduring, while criticising attempts by certain individuals to weaken the relationship through negative propaganda.
He said following the recent wave of terrorism, Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society had decided to play a more active role. He urged the public to reject negative propaganda against military leadership circulating on social media.
Rais Ansari said armed forces had sacrificed countless lives in the fight against terrorism and urged the public not to become part of enemy’s plans through misinformation.
Tariq Farooq Hameed emphasised success against terrorism cannot be achieved through military operations alone. He said effective coordination among intelligence agencies, police, paramilitary forces, judiciary, civil administration and public was essential.
Naveed Ahmed Rizvi said terrorism was a multidimensional challenge affecting national security, economy, education, investment, social cohesion and public trust.Nadir Mir said when a state faces extraordinary threats such as terrorism, role of armed forces becomes critically important.
Muhammad Ali Shah said Pakistan’s current challenges require national interest to be placed above personal or group interests. He said differences of opinion are a normal part of democracy, but unity, constitutional supremacy, public safety and mutual respect are essential on matters of national importance.
Dr Yasir Nawab said a secure and stable Pakistan can only be achieved if state institutions, citizens, educational institutions, religious and social leaders, and young people work together to create awareness against extremism, uphold the rule of law and strengthen national unity.
Sheikh Atiq said Pakistan Army had not only fought terrorism through military operations but had also provided assistance during natural disasters, supported internally displaced persons and helped restore peace and stability in affected areas.
Falahat Imran and Professor Dr Arsha Mir jointly emphasised terrorism cannot be eliminated through military action alone. They stressed national unity, quality education, positive youth development, access to justice, economic growth, religious harmony and effective law enforcement were equally essential.
Shaheen Malik paid tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.Dr Saeed Elahi said maintaining peace and ensuring Pakistan’s development is a shared national responsibility.
Hamid Raza described terrorism as a menace that not only claims innocent lives but also severely damages a country’s economy, peace, education, tourism and social stability.Wasif Nagi paid tribute to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s peace, security and stability, describing their sacrifices as enduring symbols of courage, patriotism and national commitment. -
