ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that each and every citizen of Pakistan will be protected by the state, irrespective of their religion, sect or caste, and that no cause is holier than protecting the life and property of the people.

PM Nawaz was addressing a meeting in Islamabad to discuss matters relating to the scourge of terrorism in the country.

“We cannot forget and forgive atrocities committed by barbarians in Peshawar, Quetta and Wagha,” the prime minister said. “There will be no discrimination and exception in our war against terrorism.”

On Dec 16, a deadly Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar left 141 people dead — including 132 school children.

Examine: Militant siege of Peshawar school ends, 141 killed

In the wake of the attack, a meeting of the country's civilian and military leadership, headed by PM Nawaz, had agreed on zero tolerance for terror. The leadership had agreed that no leniency would be extended to terrorists and tough steps would be taken in this regard.

Take a look: Zero tolerance for terror, Nawaz, Raheel decide

The country’s political leadership also constituted a committee to work out a national action plan for countering terrorism and asked recommendations from all parliamentary parties in this regard. The first meeting of the committee is under way at the Parliament House in the federal capital.

Explore: Anti-terrorism action committee meeting under way in Parliament House

The premier also lifted the moratorium on the death penalty, allowing capital punishment for those sentenced to death in terrorism cases in the wake of which six terrorists have been executed.

Examine: Four hanged in Faisalabad jail

Earlier today, the premier cancelled all his routine appointments and announced dedicating the whole day to reforms on security-related matters.

Nawaz will also consult Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and his team to finalise policy papers for countering terrorism and reducing legal hurdles in the way of execution of terrorists.