Sharif holds meeting on Pathankot attack, says Pakistan committed to combat terrorism

The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance, Minister for Interior, Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs, Chief of the Army Staff, Special Assistant to the PM on Foreign Affairs, National Security Advisor, DG ISI, Foreign Secretary and DG Military Operations.

"The meeting affirmed Pakistan's strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It was noted with satisfaction that Pakistan's counter-terrorism campaign had made significant gains and that Pakistan's entire leadership and institutions were working in complete harmony to counter terrorism and extremism," a Pakistan government's statement claimed.

The statement said that people of Pakistan have evolved a political consensus for action against all terrorists and terrorist organizations without any distinction, and have resolved that no terrorist would be allowed to use Pakistan's soil for committing terrorism anywhere in the world.

The meeting also discussed the Pathankot terrorist attack, and expressed Pakistan's condemnation of this incident, and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to cooperate with India to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism afflicting the region.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment to effectively counter and eradicate terrorism, the meeting reviewed the progress made on the information provided by the Government of India. It was decided to remain in touch with the Government of India in this regard," the statement said.

The meeting expressed the confidence that building on the goodwill generated by the recent high level contacts, the two countries would remain committed to a sustained, meaningful and comprehensive dialogue process.

This comes a day after India said it will not go ahead with foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan next unless the neighbouring country takes action on the evidence provided by India of the Pathankot terror attack.

India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup told a press conference on Thursday: "The ball is in Pakistan's court."

He had said talks are based on the "prompt" response of Pakistan on the terror attack, adding that actionable intelligence has been provided to the neighbour.

India has urged Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists based on its soil who targetted an Indian air base at Pathankot in Punjab last week, killing seven Indian security men.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call on Tuesday from his Pakistani counterpart  Nawaz Sharif regarding the terrorist attack on the Pathankot airbase.

Prime Minister Modi had strongly emphasized the need for Pakistan to take firm and immediate action against the organizations and individuals responsible for and linked to the Pathankot terrorist attack, officials said.