national assembly. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
ISLAMABAD:
In a rare moment of political unity, members of both the Treasury and the opposition in the National Assembly put aside their differences on Tuesday to pass a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning the recent coordinated terrorist attacks in multiple locations in Balochistan.
The consensus emerged against a backdrop of deep political polarization between the PML-N-led coalition government and the PTI-led opposition, making the joint stance all the more surprising.
Although some opposition members questioned counterterrorism strategies and pointed out security failures, none opposed the resolution when it came to a vote.
The debate on the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan continued in the House following last week’s deadly coordinated attacks.
According to the army’s media wing, Fitna-al-Hindustan terrorists carried out large-scale coordinated attacks across Balochistan on Saturday. However, security forces thwarted their attempt and killed 92 terrorists during the initial response, and follow-up operations raised the death toll to 177 terrorists within 48 hours.
The National Assembly expressed its support for the armed forces and the families of the victims and expressed concern about external involvement in the insurgency.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry introduced the resolution in the lower house, which “strongly condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan, in which not only innocent civilians were attacked, but also adopted atrocious and inhuman tactics, 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 neighboring countries, with serious concerns about India’s role.
The National Assembly expressed its deep sorrow 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 Balochistan provincial government and the civil administration.
The resolution made it clear that attacks against civilian populations, women and children were unforgivable crimes, and that the State must take decisive measures against such elements on the principle of zero tolerance, without room to rationalize or justify violence.
But despite voting in favor of the resolution, parliamentarians from all parties, including PTI, PML-N, PPP and JUI-F, showed concern and questioned the counter-terrorism responses.
Addressing the National Assembly, opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai said: “who in their right mind would oppose this resolution?”
He suggested adding a recommendation to recognize the first right of children in a province over their respective provincial resources.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry responded to the opposition leader’s comments, saying that the government had no objection to the opposition leader’s point about provincial mining rights, which rightfully belong to the provinces and their people.
However, when speaking against terrorism, the message must be unified and clear, without appearing fragmented. He emphasized that the government fully supports the institutions that sacrifice themselves to protect the nation.
PTI president Barrister Gohar clarified his party’s stand in his speech and said, “We condemn terrorism in Balochistan without any ifs or 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.
Lawyer Gohar denounced 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 promised that the blood of martyrs would never be in vain.
Senior PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said frequent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saddened the nation, with casualties among security personnel and civilians.
He highlighted the need to address the root causes of the insurgency rather than relying solely on convictions and advocated for the full implementation of the National Action Plan.
Qaiser emphasized civil supremacy, sound economic and foreign policies and policy formulation in consultation with affected stakeholders.
Highlighting cross-border concerns, he noted that if Iran and the United States 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 failures, highlighting continued instability in areas like Nushki. They urged dialogue with the people of Balochistan and warned that the denial of rights and lack of services were deepening alienation.
Minister of State for Home Talal Chaudhry said Balochistan receives 40% higher share than Punjab under the NFC Award, with more than double the per capita funds compared to Punjab and Sindh.
He highlighted that 91% of the province’s financial resources come from the federal government and that Balochistan has seen significant infrastructure development, including cadet schools, technical institutions, hospitals, health centres, airports and more than 25,000 kilometers of roads.
Chaudhry questioned attacks on public institutions, saying they harm ordinary citizens and serve no real cause. He pointed out that terrorists exploit religion (TTP) or Baloch identity (BLA) for their narrative.
On security, he stressed that Pakistan will not allow terrorism to stop business, commerce or sporting events, and called on political leaders to support security forces with a united stance.
The House concluded the debate by reaffirming unity against terrorism and endorsing decisive action to ensure security, stability and peace in Balochistan and beyond.
Separately, the Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution on Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir as an international dispute to be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The House condemned human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, rejected India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, welcomed recent debates in the British Parliament on the issue and urged the international community to play an active role in resolving the dispute.
