KARACHI: Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), has paid tribute to the soldiers who recently laid down their lives in terrorist attacks, calling them "the pride of the nation." He emphasized that Pakistan remains forever indebted to these officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country's security and defense.

Rehan expressed concern over the renewed surge in terrorist activities across the country, warning that the escalating wave of violence poses a serious threat to national security, the economy, and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Citing the Global Terrorism Index 2025, he pointed out that Pakistan remains among the countries most severely affected by terrorism. "For the past 25 years, Pakistan has been a frontline state in the war against terror," he stated, adding that the country has suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion and lost thousands of soldiers and civilians in the fight.

The PVMA chairman reaffirmed that the business community stands in solidarity with the government and the armed forces in combating terrorism. He stressed the need for a comprehensive and effective national strategy to address this growing threat.

Rehan urged the government to focus on both security measures and economic reforms to ensure sustainable peace, national stability, and the restoration of investor confidence.