Express divergent views to defuse the crisis, ranging from forceful retaliation to moderation and dialogue.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry speaks to journalists outside Parliament in Islamabad on October 9, 2025. Screen recording
ISLAMABAD:
The country’s main political parties have closed ranks in support of national security after what they described as unprovoked attacks by the Taliban regime and Pakistan’s appropriate response, although their prescriptions range from forceful retaliation to moderation and dialogue.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry warned on Friday that those responsible for unprovoked shootings and attacks would regret their actions.
He vowed that Pakistan would respond decisively to protect its sovereignty and ensure public safety.
“They will rue the day when they carried out unprovoked shootings and attacks yesterday,” Chaudhry told reporters. “You will be given a full answer.”
Chaudhry also accused the Afghan regime of sympathizing with terrorists who were recently attacked by Pakistani forces. “They will regret it and the world will see how far Pakistan can go to defend its sovereignty and the peace of its people,” he added.
“Terrorism will end in Pakistan; this will not continue,” he said. “Our youth cannot have their throats cut, mosques and imambargahs attacked, school buses attacked. Pakistan will not tolerate this.”
“They must behave like a state, not like a guerrilla force,” Chaudhry said. “Until their behavior changes, we will take all possible options to achieve this.”
Meanwhile, according to a statement, PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari praised the military’s response under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, saying it had once again demonstrated strength in the region.
Bilawal described the actions of the Afghan Taliban as unprovoked and said Kabul should stop acting as India’s proxy. “Pakistan does not seek confrontation, but if we are challenged, we know how to give a crushing response,” he said.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman took a cautious approach, acknowledging that Pakistan’s security concerns were justified while highlighting respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal challenges.
He called for bilateral engagement within a credible security framework guided by internationally recognized norms. “Sustainable solutions can be found through diplomatic engagement,” he said, urging restraint, responsible conduct and an immediate ceasefire.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concern that deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan were heading towards a full-blown war, calling the situation deeply alarming for people on both sides of the border.
PTI president Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said his party supported peace with neighbors but would not hesitate to confront threats. He warned that Afghanistan’s provocations would be responded to fully, adding: “The nation’s prayers are with the security forces.”
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi underlined the determination of the provincial government to secure the border areas. He termed the situation worrying and said protecting every inch of Pakistan was a national duty.
He said there would be no compromise on security and assured residents of the border districts that the government was on alert.
