Express divergent views to resolve the crisis, ranging from forceful retaliation to restraint and dialogue
Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry speaks to reporters outside the Parliament House in Islamabad on October 9, 2025. SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
The country’s major political parties have closed ranks in support of national security after what they described as unprovoked attacks by the Taliban regime and Pakistan’s appropriate response, though their prescriptions range from forceful retaliation to restraint and dialogue.
Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry warned on Friday that those responsible for unprovoked firing and attacks would regret their actions.
He vowed that Pakistan would respond decisively to protect its sovereignty and ensure public safety.
“They will regret the day they carried out unprovoked firing and attacks yesterday,” Chaudhry told reporters. “A full response will be given.”
Chaudhry also accused the Afghan regime of being in sympathy with the terrorists who were 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; this will not continue,” he asserted. “Our youth cannot have their throats slit, 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 possible option to make it change.”
Meanwhile, according to a statement, PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari praised the military’s response during Operation Ghazab Lil Haq and said it had once again demonstrated strength in the region.
Bilawal described the Afghan Taliban’s actions as 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 chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman took a cautious approach, acknowledging that Pakistan’s security concerns were legitimate while stressing respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal challenges.
He called for bilateral engagement within a credible security framework governed by internationally recognized norms. “Sustainable solutions can be found through diplomatic engagement,” he said, calling for restraint, responsible behavior and an immediate ceasefire.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concern that the deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan were on the verge of full-blown war, calling the situation deeply alarming for people on both sides of the border.
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said his party supported peace with neighbors but would not hesitate to confront threats. He warned that Afghanistan’s provocations would be fully met, adding: “The nation’s prayers are with the security forces.”
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi emphasized the provincial government’s determination to secure border areas. Calling the situation worrisome, he said it was a national duty to protect every inch of Pakistan.
He said there would be no compromise on security and assured the residents of the border districts that the government was on high alert.
