Sherry seeks united response against terror wave

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Sherry Rehman Thursday raised alarm in the Senate on the escalating wave of terrorism in Pakistan, calling for an urgent and united national response.

Speaking on a point of public importance, she expressed grave concern over the recent Bannu attacks and cross-border clashes with Afghanistan. She emphasized that the alarming surge in terror incidents across the country is a warning that the situation poses an existential threat to Pakistan’s security and economy. Sherry, who is also PPP’s Vice President, contended that the graph of terrorism in Pakistan is increasing exponentially, and that Pakistan now ranks second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with terror-related fatalities rising by 45pc in the past year alone, reaching 1,081 deaths. “This is an extremely serious situation, and we must acknowledge that the storm is gathering once again,” said Senator Rehman.

Senator Rehman recalled the long and hard-fought battle against terrorism, where the nation paid a devastating price with over 80,000 lives lost. “There was a time when terror attacks were a daily occurrence. We fought back with resilience, eliminated Al-Qaeda’s presence in Pakistan, and restored peace. But today, Daesh’s footprint in Afghanistan has surged by 40pc, posing a direct and immediate security challenge for Pakistan,” she warned. She made it clear that mere condemnation and prayers for victims are not enough, adding this issue is too urgent for us to sit and wait. “We need a dedicated session to discuss this rising terror threat, followed by a joint resolution in parliament, a formal condemnation, and a high-level in-camera briefing to formulate a strategic response,” she urged. Senator Rehman urged all political parties to unite in tackling this escalating crisis.

Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Senator Sarmad Ali, law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the Senate that the number of centres for the treatment of HIV has increased from 49 to 94 during the past four years. He also said that these centers are providing free screening and treatment to infected patients while awareness campaigns are being organized to effectively combat the disease. Senator Sarmad raised alarm over the extremely worrying increase in HIV cases in the country and urged for steps to address the issue, as around 1,000 new cases are being detected monthly. He called for lifting standards of HIV testing services and extensive public awareness about the disease.

The Special Technology Zones Authority Amendment Bill 2025 was adopted by the Senate with a majority vote, the Civil Courts Amendment Bill 2025 and the Pakistan Coast Guards Amendment Bill 2025 were presented in the House and both bills were sent to relevant standing committees. Consequently, the House was adjourned till March 8 11:30 am.