Express divergent views to defuse crisis, ranging from forceful retaliation to restraint and dialogue
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry speaking to reporters outside Parliament House in Islamabad on October 9, 2025. SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
The country’s major political parties have closed ranks in support of national security following what they described as unprovoked attacks by the Taliban regime and Pakistan’s befitting response, though their prescriptions range from forceful retaliation to restraint and dialogue.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday warned that those responsible for unprovoked firing and attack 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 attack yesterday,” Chaudhry told reporters. “It will be given a full response.”
Chaudhry also accused the Afghan regime of standing 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 behaviour 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 under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, saying 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 reply,” he said.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman adopted a cautious approach, acknowledging that Pakistan’s security concerns were justified while stressing respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal challenges.
He called for bilateral engagement within a credible security framework guided by internationally recognised norms. “Sustainable solutions can be found through diplomatic engagement,” he said, urging restraint, responsible conduct and an immediate ceasefire.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concern that deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan were edging towards full-fledged 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 neighbours but would not hesitate to confront threats. He warned that Afghanistan’s provocations would be answered fully, adding: “The nation’s prayers are with the security forces.”
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi underscored the provincial government’s resolve to secure border areas. Calling the situation concerning, he said protecting every inch of Pakistan was a national duty.
He said there would be no compromise on security and assured residents of border districts that the government was on alert.
