Islamabad, Feb. 10 -- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday called for national unity against terrorism, urging political parties to set aside differences. He said defeating terrorism requires collective resolve and coordinated action. His remarks came amid heightened security concerns in the capital.

Responding to questions about the Islamabad attack, Asif acknowledged that security breaches can occur. He said there was no doubt lapses happened at some level. He stressed the need to further tighten security arrangements across the country.

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The defence minister said the government would announce a relief package for families of those martyred and injured in ...