Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism, declaring that “terrorists cannot undermine the country’s peace with their cowardly acts.” Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif emphasized the nation’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability, echoing sentiments from his past statements and aligning with ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Pakistan.
Sharif’s remarks come amid a resurgence of terrorist activities in 2025, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where attacks have claimed lives and disrupted stability, as noted in Wikipedia’s 2025 update on “Terrorism in Pakistan.” The former prime minister, who has historically advocated for peace and socio-economic development, condemned recent incidents, including a suicide attack in Lahore last month that killed 70 people, attributing such acts to groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Pakistan desires peace and tranquility both within and outside its borders so that our much-needed socio-economic development goals are achieved,” Sharif stated, referencing a 2016 address to the Pakistan Naval War College cited in his Wikipedia profile. “We cannot afford to be distracted in fulfilling our national objectives, and Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty and independence.”
Sharif’s comments resonate with his government’s past actions, including the controversial Anti-Terrorist Act of 1997, which established Anti-Terrorism Courts, and the 2013 military operation Zarb-e-Azb, aimed at dismantling militant groups like TTP, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and al-Qaeda, as detailed in “Terrorism in Pakistan.” Although the Supreme Court later deemed the Act unconstitutional, Sharif’s administration amended it to strengthen judicial measures against terrorism, reflecting his long-standing stance on national security.
The former prime minister’s statement also addresses international concerns about Pakistan’s role in regional security. Wikipedia’s entry on “Pakistan and state-sponsored terrorism” notes that Pakistan has faced criticism for allegedly supporting certain groups, but Sharif has consistently denied such claims, asserting in 2018 that Pakistan seeks peace and stability. His latest remarks reaffirm this position, urging unity to counter the “cowardly” acts of terrorists that threaten Pakistan’s progress.
Since 2001, Pakistan’s military has launched multiple offensives in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and elsewhere, reducing terrorist attacks between 2015 and 2019, according to Wikipedia. However, a spike in fatalities—971 in 2022, including 229 civilians, 379 security personnel, and 363 terrorists—indicates a renewed challenge. Sharif’s call to action aligns with these efforts, emphasizing that Pakistan’s resilience will prevail despite ongoing threats.
Sharif, who returned to Pakistan in 2023 after years in exile and remains a prominent political figure, stressed the need for national unity and international cooperation to combat terrorism. His leadership, marked by cordial relations with the Pakistan Armed Forces from 1981 to 1999, underscores his influence on security policy, as noted in his Wikipedia profile.
As Pakistan navigates its complex security landscape, Sharif’s statement serves as a rallying cry for citizens and policymakers alike. “We will not let terrorists dictate our future,” he concluded, urging the government and military to intensify efforts to safeguard peace and protect the nation’s sovereignty.
