Expressing divergent views to defuse the crisis, ranging from forceful retaliation to restraint and dialogue
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry speaks to reporters outside Parliament in Islamabad on October 9, 2025.
ISLAMABAD:
The country’s major political parties have closed ranks in support of national security following what they described as unprovoked attacks by the Taliban regime and an appropriate response from Pakistan, although their recommendations range from forceful retaliation to restraint and dialogue.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry warned on Friday that those responsible for unprovoked shootings and attacks would regret their actions.
He promised that Pakistan would respond decisively to protect its sovereignty and ensure public safety.
“They will regret the day when they carried out unprovoked shooting and attack yesterday,” Chaudhry told reporters. “He will receive a full response.”
Chaudhry also accused the Afghan regime of sympathizing with terrorists recently targeted 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; it will not continue,” he said. “Our youth cannot be slaughtered, mosques and imambargahs attacked, school buses targeted. Pakistan will not tolerate this.”
“They must behave like a state, not like a guerrilla force,” Chaudhry said. “Until their behavior changes, we will adopt every option possible to make it change.”
Meanwhile, according to a statement, PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari hailed the military response under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, saying it had once again demonstrated its strength in the region.
Bilawal called the Afghan Taliban’s actions unprovoked and said Kabul should stop acting as India’s proxy. “Pakistan does not seek confrontation, but if challenged, we know how to give a crushing response,” he said.
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman took a cautious approach, recognizing that Pakistan’s security concerns were justified, while emphasizing respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal challenges.
He called for bilateral engagement within a credible security framework guided by internationally recognized standards. “Durable solutions can be found through diplomatic engagement,” he said, calling for restraint, responsible conduct and an immediate ceasefire.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has expressed concern that deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan are moving towards a full-fledged war, calling the situation deeply alarming for people on both sides of the border.
Lawyer Gohar Ali Khan, president of PTI, said his party supported peace with neighbors but would not hesitate to face threats. He warned that Afghanistan’s provocations would be fully responded to, adding: “The nation’s prayers are with the security forces.”
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi highlighted the provincial government’s determination to secure the border areas. Terming the situation worrying, he said protecting every inch of Pakistan was a national duty.
He said there would be no compromise on security and assured residents of border districts that the government was on alert.
