ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told the National Assembly on Thursday that Afghan officials had previously demanded Rs10 billion to relocate terrorists, while refusing to guarantee an end to attacks on Pakistan, a revelation made as he lamented the martyrdom of 12 security personnel in recent operations.
He shared this detail while expressing regret over the recent martyrdom of three military officers and nine soldiers during the last two days of counter-terrorism operations.
Declaring the security situation “intolerable,” Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that security forces would now “go all out” against terrorists, accepting the risk of collateral damage. He issued a stark warning that anyone providing hideouts to terrorists, whether inside Pakistan or across the border, would face a “befitting response.” Enough is enough, Asif declared. “There can be collateral damages in areas where terrorists find shelter and launch attacks against our security forces’ convoys.”
In a powerful display of unity, the political divide in the House converged in strong defence of the armed forces, with members from across the spectrum paying rich tribute to the sacrifices of officers and soldiers. The Assembly had suspended its regular order of the day to discuss the escalating incidents of martyrdom. The minister emphasized the need for a clear national stance, stating it was unacceptable for any elements within the country to hesitate in condemning the miscreants. He revealed a proposal for a Pakistani delegation to visit Afghanistan and deliver a clear message that the current situation is “totally intolerable,” urging the Afghan regime to choose between Pakistan and terrorists.
Calling for national unity, Asif insisted that the entire nation, including the Centre and provinces, must stand firmly behind the armed forces, setting aside all political and provincial differences. “Particularly after Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos, the whole nation owes the country’s defence to the armed forces,” he said, crediting the military for Pakistan’s international recognition and prioritising national defence and peace above all other matters. He also commented on the millions of Afghan refugees, including a third generation, still in Pakistan, noting a perceived lack of loyalty to the host country.
The session saw widespread support for this stance. Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar and senior PPP parliamentarian Raja Pervaiz Ashraf paid rich tributes to the armed forces.
Senior PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf paid tribute to fallen soldiers and categorically accused India of sponsoring terrorism, declaring that Pakistan’s neighbour had “faced humiliation” after attacking with “unfounded allegations.” Shahida Akhtar Ali of the JUI-F stressed the need to support the military without political partisanship, while PTI-supported lawmaker Malik Aamir Dogar advocated for engaging with Afghan authorities to address the root causes of terrorism, reaffirming his party’s support for the armed forces.
MQM’s Dr. Farooq Sattar also honoured the martyrs but linked sustainable peace to economic stability, praising the leadership’s resilience. The House also offered Fateha for the martyrs, led by PTI-supported parliamentarian Ali Muhammad Khan.
