NAP operations to continue without interruption: Talal Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday ruled out the possibility of any fresh military operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), maintaining that the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under the National Action Plan (NAP) would continue without interruption.

Responding to concerns raised by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Asad Qaiser and Pakistan Peoples Part (PPP) MNA Shazia Marri during a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the minister made it clear that the state’s resolve to combat terrorism remained unwavering. “Let me be clear, NAP operations will not be stopped by anyone, no matter who they are,” he asserted.

In a sharp critique of the PTI policies, Chaudhry questioned the party’s past conduct. “Who brought back the TTP? Which CM said, ‘We won’t fight or we’ll end up like PPP or ANP’?” he asked.

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Speaking on the August 5 protests by PTI, the minister defended the government’s security measures, including the closure of Parliament’s gates.

He cited enforcement of Section 144 and a large gathering near D-Chowk as valid concerns. “The Parliament gates were shut for incoming crowds, not outgoing MNAs, who exited without obstruction,” he clarified.

Regarding the PTI protest turnout, the minister downplayed its scale. “In Islamabad, fewer than 100 protesters gathered and even those were detained briefly. No MNAs were arrested. In Punjab, 94 people were detained out of a population of 130 million,” he said, adding that most protests were symbolic and ended swiftly.

Chaudhry rejected PTI’s narrative surrounding the May 9 incidents, reiterating that popularity does not grant immunity from the law. “Those who attacked state symbols did so for political gain and are now facing legal consequences,” he stated.

“Those who set fire to monuments were doing it for future election tickets, and now they’re facing the consequences. Courts in Punjab and Peshawar are issuing rulings — what more fairness do you want?”

During the session, PPP’s Marri raised the issue of pilgrims (Zaireen) who travel by road to participate in the Arbaeen walk during Chehlum. She expressed concern that a ban on land travel had left nearly 200,000 pilgrims stranded, as financial constraints prevent them from affording air travel.

“I request the government to arrange some subsidised flights for pilgrims who can’t afford plane travel,” she said.

Responding to her concerns, Chaudhry confirmed that land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims via Iran had been suspended due to regional tensions stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict.

He said the interior ministry and provincial authorities were engaged in dialogue with protesting pilgrims and leadership of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).

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He informed the House that a delegation had met ministry officials last Thursday, and further talks were held recently with MWM leader Engineer Raja Nasir Abbas.

“I’m ready to visit Karachi for continued negotiations,” he said, adding that the Sindh and Balochistan governments were fully aligned and the Sindh governor was in close contact with the protesters.

The minister also shared that the prime minister had instructed the defence minister to ensure the facilitation of pilgrims via air travel. “We have increased the number of flights and engaged foreign carriers, including Iranian and Iraqi airlines, to enhance capacity. Discussions are also underway to reduce fares,” he said.

During the course of the session, PPP’s Syed Naveed Qamar proposed clause-by-clause amendments to the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill 2025, aiming to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people across the country’s borders. These amendments were thoroughly discussed and ultimately approved by the National Assembly.

Qamar expressed that the PPP had reservations regarding several clauses in the bill and suggested a wide range of improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the Authority.

He emphasised that the purpose of the bill was to promote trade facilitation and to transform border crossings into welcoming points, rather than intimidating barriers that discourage cross-border traffic.

After the amendments were approved, Chaudhry moved the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Following detailed deliberations, the House unanimously passed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025.