‘One way to end the war on terrorism is war; the other is dialogue, which should also be pursued’, says Raja Abbas
The Senate of Pakistan on Friday unanimously adopted 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 lauded 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 incursions and the presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements reflect behaviour contrary to mutual understanding. The Senate urged Afghanistan to immediately cease hostile actions and ensure 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 after what officials described as unprovoked cross-border aggression. According to security sources and Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi, at least 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded, while 27 posts were destroyed and nine captured.
Read: Afghanistan — a situational recap
Senior leader Rana Sanaullah said the Senate resolution meant the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. He praised Pakistan’s military for delivering an “excellent answer” to Afghanistan’s incursions and said terrorists were given a chance to reform, but if they continued, they would be eliminated.
Rana referenced weeks of negotiations in Doha and the proposal for a commission of friendly countries to monitor the Durand Line, saying, “Today’s message is that the whole nation stands with the armed forces.” He stressed that political matters 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 for negotiations 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 founder’s basic human right. He urged that personal doctors 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 neighbours are dangerous.” Abbas called for a regional security framework by inviting relevant countries to a conference, saying internal public support must be with the armed forces. He urged a joint parliamentary session, including in-camera briefings, to inform lawmakers about the situation.
Read More: PTI moves SC for Imran’s treatment
He added, “We need to have House in Order… Can we win this war if the public is completely detached? A joint parliamentary session could resolve this political issue. The former premier 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 at Adiala Jail in a £190 million 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 vision in his right eye had dropped to 15%. However, government officials say he is receiving appropriate medical care.
Senators pledge support for armed forces
Senator Manzoor Ahmed said the Taliban had demanded Rs 10 billion, adding that there is no division between the Pakistani public and politicians, and the nation stands firmly with the armed forces. “Our political and military leadership is on the same page,” he said, offering 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 the founder of PTI should be onboarded in all matters, calling it the “need of the hour.”
Senator Maulana Abdul Wasei remarked, “This is the same Afghanistan for which we staked everything 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 Ministry of Law presented details in the Senate showing that over the past 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 bargains, 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 session until Monday at 2pm. Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated that the Senate stands with the Pakistan Army and fully supports its operations against terrorism.
