“One way to end the war on terror is with war; the other is dialogue, which must also be continued,” says Raja Abbas
Pakistan’s Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution condemning what it called “unprovoked aggression” by the Afghan Taliban across the western border, saying the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would not be compromised. The House also commended the courage and professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed national unity in support of the Army.
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 its hostile actions and ensure that its territory is not used for terrorist purposes 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 an unprovoked cross-border assault. According to security sources and Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi, at least 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 injured, while 27 posts were destroyed and nine captured.
Read: Afghanistan — a summary of the situation
Senior leader Rana Sanaullah said the Senate resolution signified that the entire nation stood with the armed forces. He praised the Pakistani military for providing an “excellent response” to the Afghan incursions and said the terrorists had been given a chance to reform, but if they continued, they would be eliminated.
Rana referred to the weeks of negotiations in Doha and the proposal for a commission of friendly countries to monitor the Durand Line, saying: “The message today is that the entire nation stands with the armed forces. He stressed that political issues should be resolved through cross-party meetings, but noted the other side’s refusal to engage.
Regarding the condition of PTI founder Imran Khan’s eyes, Sanaullah added: “The Prime Minister invited negotiations three times but received no response. Doctors must be present…and treatment can be discussed.”
Lawyer and Senator Syed Ali Zafar stressed that the life and release of the PTI founder is very important, calling it both a responsibility of the government and a fundamental human right of the founder. He insisted that personal doctors be included in his treatment, calling it a “real demand.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, said: “One way to end the war against terrorism is war; the other is dialogue, which must also be continued. » He warned: “Hostilities with neighbors are dangerous.” Abbas called for a regional security framework by inviting relevant countries to a conference, saying internal public support must be on the side of the armed forces. He called for a joint parliamentary session, including closed-door briefings, to brief lawmakers on the situation.
Learn more: PTI moves SC for Imran treatment
He added, “We need to put the House in order… Can we win this war if the public is completely detached? A joint parliamentary session could resolve this political issue. Former Prime Minister and PTI party founder Imran Khan… remains in jail…”.
The former prime minister has been in custody since August 2023 and is serving a sentence in Adiala Prison in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces ongoing trials under the anti-terrorism law in connection with the May 9, 2023 protests. His party stepped up calls for his release after a medical report submitted to the court indicated that the vision in his right eye had fallen to 15%. However, government officials say he is receiving adequate medical care.
Senators pledge to support the armed forces
Senator Manzoor Ahmed said the Taliban had demanded Rs 10 billion, adding that there was no division between the Pakistani public and politicians and the nation stood firmly with the armed forces. “Our political and military leaders are on the same page,” he said, thanking their leaders.
Senator Azam Swati assured the government: “Even if our lives are lost, we will stand with our armed forces. We stand with Pakistan.” He also said that the PTI founder should be integrated in all areas, calling it the “need of the hour”.
Senator Maulana Abdul Wasei remarked: “This is the same Afghanistan for which we bet everything over 40 years… The world has unleashed a war against us in the form of Afghanistan. » He added: “America and Israel cannot be our friends… America, Israel and India are preparing to encircle Pakistan. »
NAB Recoveries
The Justice Department presented details to the Senate showing that over the last five years, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had recovered Rs 11.565 trillion. According to NAB, over Rs 6.588 billion was recovered through plea bargains, over Rs 1.08 billion through voluntary returns and Rs 3.804 billion through settlements. Land worth Rs 1.098 billion was returned to the state, and the various recoveries exceeded Rs 47.926 billion.
The Senate adjourned the session until Monday at 2 p.m. President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated that the Senate stands with the Pakistan Army and fully supports its operations against terrorism.
