‘One way to end the war on terrorism is war; the other is dialogue, which should also be continued,” says Raja Abbas
Pakistan’s Senate on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning what it described as “unprovoked aggression” by the Afghan Taliban across the western border, stating that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would not be compromised. The House also praised the bravery and professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed national unity in support of the military.
The resolution highlighted that Pakistan has faced extraordinary social, economic and security challenges over the past 40 years, noting that cross-border incursions and the presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements reflect behavior contrary to mutual understanding. The Senate urged Afghanistan to immediately cease hostile actions and ensure that its territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.
Pakistani security forces launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” carrying out air and ground strikes against Afghan Taliban positions in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Nangarhar after what officials described as unprovoked cross-border aggression. According to security sources and Prime Minister’s spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi, at least 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded, while 27 posts were destroyed and nine captured.
Read: Afghanistan: a summary of the situation
Leader Rana Sanaullah said the Senate resolution meant the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. He praised Pakistan’s military for giving an “excellent response” to the incursions in Afghanistan and said the terrorists were given a chance to reform but if they continued they would be eliminated.
Rana referred to weeks of negotiations in Doha and the proposal to create a commission of friendly countries to monitor the Durand Line, saying: “The message today is that the entire nation supports the armed forces.” He stressed that political issues should be resolved by the parties meeting, but highlighted the other party’s refusal to participate.
Regarding PTI founder Imran Khan’s eye condition, Sanaullah added: “The Prime Minister invited negotiations three times but received no response. Doctors should be present… and treatment can be discussed.”
Lawyer and Senator Syed Ali Zafar stressed that the life and release of the founder of PTI is very important and termed it as a responsibility of the government and a basic human right of the founder. He urged that personal doctors be included in his treatment, calling it a “genuine request.”
Leader of the opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, said: “One way to end the war on terrorism is war; the other is dialogue, which must also be pursued.” He warned: “Hostilities with neighbors are dangerous.” Abbas called for a regional security framework by inviting relevant countries to a conference, saying domestic public support should come from the armed forces. He urged a joint parliamentary session, including closed-door briefings, to brief lawmakers on the situation.
Read more: PTI transfers SC for Imran’s treatment
He added: “We need to keep the House in Order… Can we win this war if the public is completely distanced? A joint parliamentary session could resolve this political issue. Former Prime Minister and PTI party founder Imran Khan… is still in prison…”
The former prime minister has been detained since August 2023 and is serving time in Adiala jail in a £190m corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Law in relation to the May 9, 2023 protests. His party has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to court said vision in his right eye had decreased to 15%. However, government officials say he is receiving adequate medical care.
Senators promise support for the armed forces
Senator Manzoor Ahmed said the Taliban had demanded 10 billion rupees, adding that there is no division between the public and Pakistani politicians, and that the nation strongly supports the armed forces. “Our political and military leaders are on the same page,” he said, offering his thanks to the leaders.
Senator Azam Swati assured the government: “Even if we lose our lives, we will support our armed forces. We stand with Pakistan.” He also said that the PTI founder should be involved in all matters, calling it “need of the hour”.
Senator Maulana Abdul Wasei commented: “This is the same Afghanistan for which we risked everything for 40 years… The world has started a war against us in the form of Afghanistan.” He added: “The United States and Israel cannot be our friends… The United States, Israel and India are preparing to encircle Pakistan.”
NAB recoveries
The Law Ministry presented details in the Senate showing that in the last five years, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had recovered Rs 11.565 trillion. According to NAB, over Rs 6,588 crore was recovered through plea deals, over Rs 1,080 crore through voluntary returns and Rs 3,804 crore through settlements. Land worth Rs 1.098 trillion was returned to the state and miscellaneous recoveries exceeded Rs 47.926 billion.
The Senate adjourned the session until Monday at 2:00 p.m. President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated that the Senate stands with the Pakistan Army and fully supports its counter-terrorism operations.
