ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's top national security body on Monday decided in a high-level meeting to rationalize imports and curb illegal currency outflows to ensure economic stability in a bid to strengthen its ailing economy.
The second round of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting was held under the chair of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, Monday. The meeting was attended by federal cabinet members, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, all services chiefs, and heads of intelligence services.
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves fell alarmingly below $6 billion last week while high inflation and a depreciating currency continue to add to Islamabad's economic woes. Last week, the NSC met to discuss Pakistan's precarious security situation and vowed to take action against militants.
In a press release after the second meeting, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) disclosed important decisions that were taken regarding Pakistan's economy.
"In order to strengthen the economy, the committee agreed on undertaking concrete steps including imports rationalization as well as preventing illegal currency outflows and hawala business," the PMO said. "The forum underscored that comprehensive national security revolves around economic security and that sovereignty or dignity comes under stress without self-sufficiency and economic independence," it added.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar briefed participants of the meeting about the government's roadmap for economic stability, including the status of its discussions with international financial institutions. He also spoke about exploring other financial avenues, based on mutual interests as well as relief measures for the people, the PMO said.
It added that a comprehensive view of the ongoing economic situation and challenges being faced by the people was taken by participants of the meeting.
"It was resolved that people-centric economic policies with trickle-down effects to common people will remain priority," the statement said.
The PMO said that the forum was apprised of the recent security situation and the surge in militant attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
"Prime Minister emphasized that the war against terrorism will be led by federal and provincial governments as per National Action Plan in accordance with National Internal Security Policy," the PMO said.
The forum decided to revive provincial apex committees "in full earnest and LEAs especially CTDs will be brought up to the required fighting standards with requisite capabilities."
In a veiled reference to Afghanistan, the NSC said that no country would be allowed to provide sanctuaries and facilitation to terrorists. "Pakistan reserves all rights in that respect to safeguard her people," it said while reiterating its "zero tolerance" policy for militants in Pakistan.
The forum also said that militants would be "dealt with full force of the state."
"Pakistan’s security is uncompromisable, and the full writ of the state will be maintained on every inch of Pakistan’s territory," it said.
