ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) on Wednesday condemned the recent attacks on the Pakistan Army post in Bajaur Agency and police officials in Quetta, and expressed deep concern over the now increasingly exposed activities of “hostile intelligence agencies” to destabilise Pakistan. The NSC met in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the chair. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sohail Aman and senior civil and military officials. The foreign secretary briefed the meeting on the latest developments in the regional security situation with a focus on the events rapidly unfolding in the Middle East. After a detailed discussion, the meeting unanimously agreed that it was of critical importance for Pakistan to play a proactive role in the best interest of the Muslim world, while firmly adhering to its bilateral commitments. The committee reviewed the security situation in Balochistan and appreciated the significant improvement brought through the tireless work by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The committee affirmed that the thrust of the federal government’s policy would be to collaborate more deeply with the Balochistan government for the rapid socio-economic development of the province. The meeting also developed a consensus on providing increased development resources to the province. Published in Daily Times, November 16th 2017.