In rare unity, MPs close ranks against Balochistan terror

National Assembly backs security forces National Assembly. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN In a rare moment of political unity, members from both treasury and opposition benches in the National Assembly on Tuesday set aside their differences to pass a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning the recent coordinated terrorist attacks across multiple locations in Balochistan. The consensus emerged against the backdrop of deep political polarisation between the PML-N-led coalition government and the PTI-led opposition, making the joint stand all the more striking. Although some opposition members questioned counter-terrorism strategies and pointed to security lapses, none opposed the resolution when it was put to a vote. The debate on the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan continued in the House following the deadly coordinated attacks last week. According to the military's media wing, terrorists of Fitna-al-Hindustan carried out large-scale coordinated attacks across Balochistan on Saturday. However, security forces foiled their bid and killed 92 terrorists during the initial response, with follow-up operations raising the death toll to 177 terrorists within 48 hours. The National Assembly expressed support for the armed forces and victims' families and raised concerns about outside involvement in the insurgency. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented the resolution in the lower house, which strongly "condemns, in the harshest terms, the recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan, in which not only innocent civilians were targeted, but heinous and inhumane tactics were also adopted such as using women as weapons, coercing them, applying mental pressure, and blackmailing them practices that are completely contrary to Islamic teachings, Pakistani values, and Baloch traditions". The resolution drew attention to the fact that, in multiple incidents, evidence indicated external sponsorship and patronage of terrorism, particularly from neighbouring countries, with serious concerns regarding India's role. The National Assembly expressed profound grief and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the injured and appreciated the timely and effective actions of the security forces, law enforcement agencies, the provincial government of Balochistan and the civil administration. The resolution made it clear that attacks on civilian populations, women, and children were unpardonable crimes, and the state shall take decisive action against such elements on the principle of zero tolerance, with no room for rationalising or justifying violence. But despite voting in favour of the resolution, parliamentarians from all parties, including PTI, PML-N, PPP and JUI-F, showed concern and questioned counter-terrorism responses. While addressing the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai said, "who in their right mind would oppose this resolution?" He suggested adding a recommendation that the first right of a province's children over their respective provincial resources be acknowledged. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry responded to the opposition leader's remarks, saying the government had no objection to the Leader of the Opposition's point on provincial mineral rights, which rightly belong to the provinces and their people. However, when speaking against terrorism, the message must be united and clear, without being presented in bits and pieces. He emphasised that the government fully stands with the institutions sacrificing to protect the nation. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar clarified his party's stance in his speech, saying, "We condemn terrorism in Balochistan without any ifs and buts". He said anyone who takes up arms and kills innocent people is an enemy of the country. Addressing the National Assembly, he stated that terrorism had no place in Pakistan and stressed that those involved in such acts cannot be tolerated. Barrister Gohar alleged India's involvement in terrorism, accusing it of supporting violent activities against Pakistan. He added that no terrorist would be allowed a place to hide and vowed that the blood of the martyrs would never go in vain. Asad Qaiser, senior PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker, said frequent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa grieve the nation, with casualties among security personnel and civilians. He stressed the need to address the root causes of insurgency rather than relying on condemnations alone and advocated full implementation of the National Action Plan. Qaiser emphasised civilian supremacy, strong economic and foreign policies, and policymaking in consultation with affected stakeholders. Highlighting cross-border concerns, he noted that if Iran and the US can hold talks, Pakistan should also engage diplomatically with Afghanistan to address terrorism. On the other hand, JUI-F lawmakers Aliya Kamran and Usman Badini questioned intelligence and security lapses, highlighting...

In rare unity, MPs close ranks against Balochistan terror

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