National Assembly. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
ISLAMABAD:
In a rare moment of political unity, members of the Treasury and Opposition seats in the National Assembly put aside their differences on Tuesday to pass a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning the recent coordinated terrorist attacks in several places in Balochistan.
The consensus emerged amid deep political polarization between the PML-N-led coalition government and the PTI-led opposition, making the common position all the more striking.
Although some opposition members questioned counterterrorism strategies and highlighted security flaws, none opposed the resolution when it came up for a vote.
The debate on the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan continued in the House following last week’s deadly coordinated attacks.
According to military media reports, Fitna-al-Hindustan terrorists carried out large-scale coordinated attacks across Balochistan on Saturday. However, security forces foiled their attempt and killed 92 terrorists in the initial response, with follow-up operations raising the death toll to 177 terrorists in 48 hours.
The National Assembly expressed support for the armed forces and the victims’ families and raised concerns about external involvement in the insurgency.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented the resolution in the lower house, which “strongly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan, during which not only innocent civilians were targeted, but heinous and inhumane tactics were also adopted, such as using women as weapons, coercing them, exerting mental pressure and blackmailing them, practices which are completely contrary to Islamic teachings, Pakistani values and Balochi traditions.
The resolution drew attention to the fact that in many incidents there was evidence pointing to external sponsorship and patronage of terrorism, particularly from neighboring countries, with serious concerns over India’s role.
The National Assembly expressed deep sadness and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and injured and appreciated the timely and effective actions of the security forces, law enforcement agencies, Balochistan provincial government and 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 action against such elements based on the principle of zero tolerance, without any possibility of rationalizing or justifying violence.
But despite voting in favor of the resolution, parliamentarians from all parties, including the PTI, PML-N, PPP and JUI-F, expressed concern and questioned the anti-terrorism responses.
While addressing the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai said: “Who in their right mind would oppose this resolution?
He suggested adding a recommendation that the first right of children of a province to their respective provincial resources be recognized.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry responded to the Opposition Leader’s remarks, saying the government had no objection to the Opposition Leader’s point on provincial mineral rights, which rightly belong to the provinces and their citizens.
However, when speaking out against terrorism, the message must be united and clear, without being presented in fragments. He stressed that the government fully supports institutions that sacrifice to protect the nation.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar clarified his party’s stand in his speech, saying, “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 said terrorism had no place in Pakistan and stressed that those involved in such acts could not be tolerated.
Lawyer Gohar alleged India’s involvement in terrorism, accusing it of supporting violent activities against Pakistan. He added that no terrorist would be allowed to hide and vowed that the blood of martyrs would never be in vain.
Senior PTI leader and former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said frequent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sadden the nation, resulting in casualties among security personnel and civilians.
He stressed the need to address the root causes of the insurgency rather than relying solely on convictions and called for the full implementation of the National Action Plan.
Qaiser emphasized civilian supremacy, strong economic and foreign policies and policymaking in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Highlighting cross-border concerns, he noted that if Iran and the United States could hold talks, Pakistan should also engage in diplomatic dialogue with Afghanistan to combat terrorism.
On the other hand, JUI-F lawmakers Aliya Kamran and Usman Badini questioned intelligence and security gaps, highlighting continued instability in areas such as Nushki. They called for dialogue with the people of Balochistan and warned that the denial of rights and lack of services was worsening alienation.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said Balochistan received over 40 per cent higher share than Punjab under the NFC award, with more than double the funds per capita compared to Punjab and Sindh.
He pointed out that 91% of the province’s financial resources come from the federal government and Balochistan has seen major infrastructural development, including cadet colleges, technical institutions, hospitals, health centers, airports and over 25,000 km of roads.
Chaudhry questioned attacks on public institutions, saying they harm ordinary citizens and serve no real cause. He noted that terrorists exploit religion (TTP) or Baloch identity (BLA) for their speech.
Addressing security, he stressed that Pakistan would not let terrorism stop business, commerce or sporting events, and called on political leaders to support security forces by adopting a united stance.
The House concluded the debate by reaffirming unity against terrorism and supporting decisive action to ensure security, stability and peace in Balochistan and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also unanimously adopted a resolution on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir as an international dispute to be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The House condemned the human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, rejected India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, welcomed the recent debates in the British Parliament on the issue and urged the international community to play an active role in resolving the dispute.
