Pak security agencies tested to limits by terrorism

Gilani traced factors like funding, weapon supplies and organisational support for mushrooming of the terror in his country, saying that the menace needed to be addressed in a comprehensive manner.

He made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet yesterday which was attended by federal ministers, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman and the three service chiefs.

"Our intelligence and security agencies have been tested to the limits," he added.

Pakistan was "passing through a difficult period" and issues related to the criminal justice system and terrorism, particularly suicide attacks, had seriously affected the citizens, he said.

Both criminal justice and terrorism need to be addressed effectively in a comprehensive manner, he said.

Consultations, cooperation and coordination between all arms of the government, most notably the intelligence agencies and law enforcing bodies, is a prerequisite for ensuring national security, Gilani told the gathering.

The Committee discussed all aspects of the law and order situation and noted that "special and immediate action was required, employing all stringent security measures to combat militancy and extremism", said an official statement issued after the meeting.

It decided that special attention would be given to the "de-radicalisation programme to motivate youth to engage and isolate them from militancy and terrorism".