UNITED NATIONS: Warning that the global terrorist threat has become “more pervasive”, Pakistan on Thursday called on the international community to join hands to combat the menace “urgently and effectively.”
Speaking in a UN Security Council debate on countering terrorism, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said that Pakistan had made substantial gains in its anti-terrorism drive, and rejected aspersions being cast by some about its contribution.
“Pakistan has been at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism,” the Pakistani envoy told the 15-member Council.”We have lost tens of thousands of lives in this fight, but this has not shaken our resolve to continue this campaign until the last terrorist is eliminated from our soil.”
“It is therefore reprehensible that some cast aspersions about our contribution,” she said adding “Baseless accusations only set us back and undermine our joint efforts to counter terrorism.”
Ambassador Lodhi stressed the need for unity in meeting the terrorist threat, saying that “the need for all States to work together in a coordinated and cooperative manner to address this menace comprehensively in all its forms and manifestations, which has never been as compelling as it is today.”
“Today, the terrorist threat has become more pervasive and has evolved in complex and unpredictable directions, posing an even greater danger to international peace and security,” the Pakistani envoy said. A multitude of small cells comprising terrorists and violent extremists, perpetuating guerrilla-style or “lone wolf” attacks, had emerged.
