‘One way to end the war on terrorism is war; the other is dialogue, which should also be pursued’, says Raja Abbas
Pakistan’s Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution condemning what it described as “unprovoked aggression” by the Afghan Taliban across the western border, asserting that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would not be compromised. The House also praised the courage and professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed national unity in support of the military.
The resolution highlighted that Pakistan has faced extraordinary social, economic and security challenges over the past 40 years, noting that cross-border infiltration and the presence of anti-Pakistani terrorist elements reflect behavior contrary to mutual understanding. The Senate called on Afghanistan to immediately cease hostilities and ensure that its land is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.
Pakistani security forces launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq”, carrying out air and ground strikes against Afghan Taliban positions in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Nangarhar following what officials described as unprovoked cross-border aggression. According to security sources and the prime minister’s spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi, at least 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded, while 27 positions were destroyed and nine captured.
Read: Afghanistan – a situational summary
Senior Leader Rana Sanaullah said the Senate resolution meant that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. He praised Pakistan’s military for delivering an “excellent response” to Afghanistan’s attacks and said terrorists were given a chance to reform, but if they persisted they would be eliminated.
Referring to weeks of talks in Doha and the proposal for a commission of friendly countries to monitor the Durand Line, Rana said: “Today’s message is that the entire nation stands with the armed forces.” He stressed that political issues should be resolved through parties sitting together, but noted the other side’s refusal to engage.
Regarding PTI founder Imran Khan’s eye condition, Sanaullah added: “The prime minister invited talks three times but received no response. Doctors should be present … and treatment can be discussed”.
Lawyer and Senator Syed Ali Zafar stressed that the life and release of the PTI founder is very important, calling it both a government responsibility and the fundamental human right of the founder. He called for personal doctors to be included in his treatment, calling it a “genuine request”.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said: “One way to end the war on terrorism is war; the other is dialogue, which should also be pursued.” He warned: “Hostilities with neighbors are dangerous.” Abbas called for a regional security framework by inviting relevant countries to a conference and said internal public support must be with the armed forces. He urged a joint parliamentary session, including in-camera briefings, to brief lawmakers on the situation.
Read more: PTI moves SC for Imran’s hearing
He added, “We have to put the house in order… Can we win this war if the public is completely disengaged? A joint parliamentary session could resolve this political issue. Former prime minister and party founder PTI Imran Khan… remains in jail…”.
The former prime minister has been in custody since August 2023 and is serving a sentence in Adiala prison in a £190m corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the May 9, 2023 protests. His party has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to the court said the vision in his right eye had dropped to 15%. But government officials say he is receiving appropriate medical care.
Senators pledge support for the armed forces
Senator Manzoor Ahmed said that the Taliban had demanded Rs 10 billion, adding that there is no division between the Pakistani public and politicians and that the nation stands firmly with the armed forces. “Our political and military leadership are on the same page,” he said, giving appreciation to the leadership.
Senator Azam Swati assured the government: “Even if our lives are lost, we will stand with our armed forces. We are with Pakistan.” He also said that the founder of PTI should be involved in all issues, calling it the “need of the hour.”
Senator Maulana Abdul Wasei remarked: “This is the same Afghanistan we bet everything for over 40 years… The world has started a war against us in the form of Afghanistan.” He added: “America and Israel cannot be our friends … America, Israel and India are preparing to encircle Pakistan.”
NAB recoveries
The Law Ministry presented details in the Senate showing that over the last five years, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had recovered Rs 11.565 trillion. According to NAB, more than Rs 6.588 billion was recovered through plea agreements, over Rs 1.08 billion through voluntary returns and Rs 3.804 billion under settlements. Land worth Rs 1.098 trillion was returned to the state and miscellaneous recoveries exceeded Rs 47.926 billion.
The Senate adjourned the meeting until Monday at 2:00 p.m. Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated that the Senate stands with the Pakistan Army and fully supports its operations against terrorism.
