ISLAMABAD:
The civil and military leadership was informed on Friday that Pakistan’s economy was in trouble but the country was not going to default.
This was the crux of the briefing given to the National Security Committee (NSC), the highest forum on national security and foreign policy. The high-powered NSC met here to discuss rising terrorism, fragile economy and the relationship with Afghanistan.
It was unusual that the NSC discussed the current state of the economy. The civil-military leadership was given a briefing on the economy since there were concerns that Pakistan might default. The country’s foreign reserves decreased to $5.8 billion this week, raising concerns of a potential default.
“We are in trouble but not defaulting,” a participant of the meeting of NSC said. The participant confirmed that the NSC was given briefings on terrorism, economy and Afghanistan.
This was the first meeting of the NSC since the change of army command on Nov 29 and came at a time when Pakistan was facing multiple challenges, including dwindling foreign reserves and the resurgence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
A statement issued after the meeting said that an important meeting of the NSC was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal ministers, service chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies participated in the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the country’s economy as well as the law and order situation in detail.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the participants about the economic situation and challenges of the country. Dar briefed the participants about the economic strategy and measures adopted by the government.
The intelligence agencies gave a briefing on the overall law and order situation in the country, informing the meeting about the factors related to the recent wave of terrorism and the measures to deal with them.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar briefed the meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, apprising the participants about Pakistan’s relations with the interim government of Afghanistan.
The meeting expressed an unequivocal opinion that Pakistan’s national interests would not be compromised and no one would be allowed to harm the key concept of national security.
The core interests of Pakistan’s survival, security, and development would be protected with great courage, consistency, and perseverance.
The meeting also paid tribute to the great sacrifices of the martyrs against terrorism, expressing sympathy and condolence to their families and collectively prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs. The NSC meeting expressed determination that terrorists were enemies of Pakistan.
The entire nation was united on one narrative against terrorism and terrorists.
Those who challenge Pakistan would get a full-force response, the statement said.
The meeting of the NSC will continue on Monday, January 2, 2023, in which further decisions will be taken in the light of the proposals.
