ISLAMABAD - Lawmakers from treasury and opposition in yesterday’s National Assembly session strongly condemning the Charsadda tragedy expressed resolve to unanimously fight terrorism.
The legislators from both sides of the aisle were unanimous to adopt a common approach in fight against terrorism, setting aside all kinds of differences.
Members from opposition came up with suggestions to convene a joint session of parliament and urged the government to concentrate on foreign policy of the country.
Speaking on Charsadda attack, Minister for Defence Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan would progress only with joint efforts. “The consensus, which build after guidelines of parliament will be followed as joint effort would prove fruitful for progress and stability in the country,” he remarked.
Responding to the criticism on the government, he said that it was success of this government as Pakistan was now playing a part of mediator between two brotherly Muslim countries.
He said we committed mistakes in the past to become part in other countries’ wars. “We will not repeat mistakes of 1980s and after 9/11 when entered into war of others,” he said, terming it a reason of suffering from menace of terrorism.
About Daesh’s presence in the country, he made it clear that Daesh, Jandullaa, Laskar-e-Islam are ‘brand’ names of terrorists. “This is the same mindset with different names which has only one purpose to terrorise the people of Pakistan,” he added.
The minister asked all political and religious parties to put behind their interests and get united. “Pakistan is following a policy of non-interference in other countries. We (Pakistan) also want good relations with neighbouring countries,” he said, claiming that the government of Pakistan was playing a role which it had not done in the past. He made these remarks while responding to the concerns raised by PkMAP lawmaker Mehmood Khan Achakzai.
The minister also shared that 20 deaths have been reported in Charsadda incident and four terrorists were also killed during security operation.
He further said that Quick Response Force of Pakistan Army also reached after attack while security guards sacrificed their lives by bravely fighting the militants.
In response to criticism from opposition on worsening law and order situation, he said that security situation had improved considerably in the country. “Pakistan has comparatively become a safer place in the region,” he said, adding the armed forces and civil armed forces have sacrificed their lives in fight against terrorism.
Earlier, Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid said that there should be unanimous approach in fight against terrorism. “We are all united and this kind of attacks cannot weak the government’s resolve,” he said, adding that there was a need to give unanimous message after such incidents.
He also praised timely interception of security forces against terrorists despite poor visibility due to fog. He said that normal routine activities should not be stopped. “Life should move on, as otherwise terrorists will consider it their success,” he said, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
The minister informed that 19 students and university staffers had been killed and another around 20 sustained injuries in this attack.
Taking part in discussion, Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Balig-ur-Rehman condemning the incident said that forensic team of NADRA had been sent to Charsadda for investigation.
PTI’s senior lawmaker Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that there was a need to unanimously fight terrorism to defeat it. “The terrorists hit soft targets,” Qureshi said, adding the university guards bravely engaged terrorists. “Two suicide jackets exploded. Apparently it was a targeted operation,” he added.
Tariq Ullah of Jamaat Islami came down hard on government for poor law and order situation in the country. “Residents are compelled to migrate from their hometowns...Where should people of the area go?” he questioned in an emotional tone.
He asked government to call a joint session of the parliament to discuss progress of the National Action Plan (NAP). “There is a need of clear policy of government,” he added.
PkMAP Chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai said that there was a need to take proper notice of terrorists’ activities in the country. “Unfortunately political parties, parliament and other concerned are not taking notice of this situation,” he said, adding there was a need to properly formulate foreign policy otherwise the country would not remain in the existing shape. “There is a need to form proper foreign policy.
Even you (Speaker National Assembly) will be unaware where foreign policy is formed,” he remarked. He said that there was no need to interfere in neighbouring countries’ affairs. He also criticised intelligence agencies for not properly giving information about terrorists’ activities.
“Somebody should be sacked,” he added. Former prime minister Zafar Ullah Jamali said that the rulers should not run the country as their property.
“Pakistan should not be considered as their personal property,” he remarked. Jamali said that incumbent government should appoint foreign minister of the country.
MQM’s Abdul Waseem said that there was a need to draw attention towards increase in terrorist activities in the country. “Daesh and other terrorists groups are active in the country,” he said citing President Obama’s recent indication about Daesh activities.
Other lawmakers expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and prayed for early recovery of the injured.