PM Imran Khan-led NSC agrees not to allow TLP to challenge state's writ

ISLAMABAD: National Security Committee (NSC) meeting headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday mulled over the ongoing situation in the aftermath of a violent protest from outlawed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) that had resulted in the martyrdom of multiple cops and destruction of public and private property, ARY NEWS reported.

The 35th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) at the PM House was attended by relevant federal cabinet members, National Security Adviser, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all three Services Chiefs, DGs of ISI, IB and FIA, and senior civil and military officers.

The NSC received a detailed briefing on the country’s internal security situation and the ongoing agitation by the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP).

Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed that no group or entity will be allowed to cause public disruption or use violence to pressure the government.

Taking serious note of the unprovoked violent attacks committed by TLP members, the Committee resolved not to tolerate any further breach of law by this proscribed group.

The committee praised the police for their professionalism and restraint despite being directly targeted and suffering casualties, including four martyrs and over four hundred injured but warned that the state’s restraint should not be seen as a sign of weakness.

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While emphasizing that the government recognized the right of peaceful protest of all Pakistanis, Committee members were unanimous that TLP was deliberately employing violence against public property, state officials, and ordinary citizens to create instability in the country and that this shall not be tolerated.

“All organs of the state stood ready to act as per the law to protect the life and property of citizens,” a handout giving details of the discussions and decisions during the meeting read.

The prime minister and the committee members expressed condolences at the loss of life of policemen and committed to compensating and looking after their families.

Commending the exceptional performance of the law enforcement agencies, the premier assured that the government will firmly stand behind them as they act to enforce the law and protect the public.

The participants further decried TLP’s misuse of religion and the issue of Namoos-e-Risalat for political gains, which was misleading the common man and creating internal discord within society.

The committee unanimously resolved to guard its sovereignty from all internal and external threats and to not allow TLP to challenge the writ of the state in any way.

The NSC meeting endorsed the government’s decision to negotiate with the group only within the bounds of the law, without offering leniency for any crimes committed by TLP operatives.

Endorsing the view of the Committee, Imran Khan instructed that all measures and actions necessary to enforce the law and protect the interests of the state and public shall be ensured.