Quetta: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the war against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated from the country.

He was addressing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta on Thursday. The Prime Minister said grave incidents of terrorism had occurred over the past four days, resulting in the martyrdom of civilians as well as personnel of the police and the armed forces. He said security forces killed 54 terrorists in retaliatory operations.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation stands firmly behind the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight to eradicate terrorism from the country's soil.

The Prime Minister further said, undoubtedly, terrorists and their organizations receive arms and financial support from Pakistan's eastern neighbour. He added that terrorists also carry out attacks inside Pakistan from across the Afghan border.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's military and political leadership are united in their resolve to eliminate terrorism. He said terrorists cannot tolerate the respect and recognition Pakistan has earned on the diplomatic front, as well as its victory in Marka-e-Haq.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that all available resources will be utilized to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and put the country on the path of sustainable development and prosperity.

He also paid rich tribute to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

Announcing the outcome of the meeting, the prime minister said in consultation with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Government of Balochistan, it had been decided to intensify efforts against terrorist groups and employ every available resource to restore peace across the province and the country.

He offered prayers for the martyrs' highest ranks in Jannah and patience and fortitude for their families, while expressing confidence that their sacrifices would pave the way for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Bugti, heads of law enforcement agencies, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, and Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah Khan.