Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum (Defense Analyst): Yesterday's Apex committee meeting was the need of the hour. The Prime Minister, COAS and other stakeholders participated in the meeting. There is a dire need to implement the National Action Plan across the country in its full spirit. It is an alarming situation as the terrorists have safe havens in our neighboring countries. The Pak-Afghan border is covered by the fence. Pakistan has over a thousand check posts on its side while there is no check post on the Afghan side to stop the infiltration of the militants. The TTP and ISIS are active and using Afghan soil to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan. These militants are using modern weapons left in Afghanistan by the NATO forces and targeting the check posts. These militants are highly trained, equipped with modern technology weapons and financially supported by anti-Pakistan elements. We need  not only to use the physical strength of our forces against the militants but diplomatic and political endeavors must be expedited to urge the neighboring countries to stop supporting the militant organizations against our country. The entire nation has to fight against the menace of terrorism.

Brig (Retd) Said Nazir (Defense Analyst): Unfortunately our neighboring countries including Afghanistan and India are supporting and financing the militant organizations to create instability in Pakistan through terrorist activities. Pakistan has provided evidence of involvement of foreign hands to destabilize Pakistan at multiple international forums. Today a tragic incident happened against and at least twelve security personnel were martyred in a suicide attack on a check post in Bannu. Our forces are determined to bring those responsible for the attack to justice and reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism from the region. The loss of precious lives is heartbreaking. Emotions must be set aside, and facts and reason must prevail. 

Brig (Retd) Haris Nawaz (Defense Analyst): Certain decisions were made in the Apex committee meeting held yesterday. The security forces will initiate target-based and intelligence-based operations against the militants. The nation must support the forces in this regard. In my opinion, there are differences among the militant groups as well. We need to devise a comprehensive strategy to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country. The government must use diplomatic channels to get engaged with other countries to develop a consensus against the militant organizations. There must be a zero-tolerance strategy against any efforts to destabilize Pakistan. The nexus of RAW and NDS is a clear threat to regional peace and stability. The international powers need to understand that the terrorism is a global issue and joint efforts are required to get rid of it.