Pak PM vows to take 'bold' decisions to combat terrorism

Pakistan government will take "bold" decisions to tackle terrorism and restore law and order in cities like Karachi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said.

Addressing PML-N parliamentarians and party workers after Eid-ul-Azha prayers at his ancestral home in Raiwind, Sharif said, "We are going to take bold decisions for the sake of restoring peace and maintaining law and order in Karachi and everywhere in the country."

He said that eradication of terrorism and other crimes were key to restore peace in Karachi and other parts of the country in order to improve investment climate and end economic dependency.

Sharif said that PML-N took charge at a very difficult time as the country is facing a number of critical challenges, which "no ruler during last 13 years had evolved a national strategy to overcome".

He deplored that no ruler had evolved a national strategy to overcome the terrorism, energy crisis, lawlessness, poverty and unemployment, state-run APP news agency reported.

Sharif claimed that his government has taken all the political parties on board for preparing a common agenda to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.

The Prime Minister said that the government has adopted the dialogue process to restore peace in country and hoped that the efforts will be successful.

"By the grace of Allah Almighty, we are determined to make a bright future for Pakistan through hard work to come to the expectations and aspirations of the people," he said.

Sharif said the energy crisis has become a major stumbling block for Pakistan's economy.

Referring to the recent hike in electricity prices, Sharif said he approved this with a heavy heart as there was no other way out. However, he assured that prices will be reduced after new power projects starts production.

The law enforcement agencies have been carrying targeted operations in Pakistan's biggest city and financial hub, Karachi, since last month to rid of militants and criminals in the metropolis.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah directed provincial police chief Shahid Nadeem Baloch to ensure foolproof security at all places of worship, eidgahs and shopping centres during Eid celebrations.