PM vows to wipe out terrorism, says terrorists defeat 'only a matter of time'

• Premier Shehbaz says security forces conducting relentless operations and terrorism will be ‘eliminated completely’

• Pays tribute to martyred PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq, vows perpetrators will face justice

• Lauds security forces for killing 15 terrorists in Balochistan, says operations will continue until lasting peace restored

• Highlights Türkiye visit, says Turkish investors showed strong interest in Pakistan’s energy, mining and maritime sectors

• Expresses confidence that Pakistan-Türkiye ties will deepen through expanded trade, investment and strategic cooperation

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed the government's unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country, saying Pakistan's security forces and law enforcement agencies were carrying out relentless operations against terrorists and expressing confidence that the day was not far off when the menace would be “eliminated completely.”

Addressing the federal cabinet at the outset of its meeting, the prime minister paid rich tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was martyred a few days ago in Islamabad while intervening to stop an assault on a woman.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the Federal Cabinet. Islamabad, 7 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/BO3P4E6uFc

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 7, 2026

He prayed for the elevation of the martyr's ranks and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The prime minister said the accused involved in the incident had been arrested and would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کا اجلاس

وزیر اعظم کا پاکستان ایئر فورس کے فرض شناس گروپ کیپٹن عاصم طارق کی شہادت پر انہیں خراجِ تحسین

"بلوچستان میں پندرہ خوارج جہنم واصل کیے گئے، ہماری سیکیورٹی فورسز پاکستان کے اندر ان دہشت گردوں کے خاتمے کے لیے شب و روز… pic.twitter.com/sgCCWuMIQj

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 7, 2026

Paying tribute to the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan's security forces in the fight against terrorism, Mr Sharif referred to the recent killing of 15 terrorists in Balochistan and said the armed forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing operations day and night to restore durable peace across the country.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the Federal Cabinet

Highlighting his recent foreign engagements, the Prime Minister referred to his visit to Türkiye, where he attended a comprehensive business conference featuring presentations on the privatization of Pakistan's… pic.twitter.com/TBMH4gTLfl

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 7, 2026

At the prime minister's request, the federal cabinet offered Fateha for the martyrs.

Highlighting his recent diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to his visit to Türkiye, where he attended a comprehensive business conference featuring presentations on the privatisation of Pakistan's power distribution companies, renewable energy, reduction in transmission losses, and investment opportunities in the mines and minerals sector.

He said the conference was attended by a large number of Turkish investors and business leaders who expressed keen interest in Pakistan's economic potential.

"پچھلے جمعہ تہران میں سپریم لیڈر آیت اللہ خامنہ ای شہید کی آخری رسومات ادا کی گئیں، ہم سب نے وہاں پاکستان کی بھرپور نمائندگی کی۔

دورۂ ترکیہ میں ایک بہت ہی جامع بزنس کانفرنس منعقد ہوئی، جس میں پاور سیکٹر، ڈسکوز (DISCOs) کی نجکاری، رینیوایبل انرجی، لائن لاسز، کمرشل لائن لاسز،… pic.twitter.com/OrW50ZOOXo

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 7, 2026

The prime minister said extensive preparations by both sides had enabled Pakistan to effectively showcase its investment opportunities, including prospects in the maritime sector and other key areas of the economy.

Expressing satisfaction over the outcome of the visit, he said productive discussions were held with the Turkish leadership on expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the continued support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said both countries remained firmly committed to further deepening their longstanding brotherly relations.

He expressed optimism that Pakistan-Türkiye ties would continue to strengthen through enhanced trade, investment and strategic cooperation in the years ahead.

PM to head NPC with Field Marshal among members

In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted the National Population Council (NPC) to address the growing challenge of Pakistan's rapid population growth and formulate effective national policies in this regard.

According to a formal notification issued on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will serve as chairman of the council, while Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will be among its members.

The chief ministers of all four provinces, as well as the prime ministers of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, will also be members of the council.

Several federal ministers, including those for planning, finance, health, education and law, have likewise been included as members.

Under the notification, the council will meet twice a year, with the Ministry of Population Planning serving as its secretariat.

The council will also include religious scholars, representatives of civil society and members of the private sector to ensure broad-based consultation on population planning and related policy matters.