Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that terrorists must be called terrorists without any "ifs or buts" and asserted that there was no sense of resentment in Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
Addressing the Senate session today, he said that even in secure areas, such groups sometimes take people hostage. In Balochistan, he noted, those involved in criminal acts stop buses and force passengers to disembark.
He rejected the impression of the lack of the government's writ in the province and said that criminal activities could be carried out anywhere by a handful of groups acting together.
"They kill people from other provinces in front of their families and then go into hiding," he said, referring to attacks such as those on the Jaffar Express. "What kind of grievance is this, that you murder innocent people?" he asked.
Rana Sana further questioned who had taken custody of the terrorists' bodies when they were brought to a Quetta hospital after the Jaffar Express incident. He alleged that these elements were acting against Pakistan at the behest of the enemy and stressed that action must be taken against them without any ambiguity.
Sanaullah added that the enemy had faced humiliation in the "Marka-e-Haq" and vowed that these terrorists would also be brought to the same fate.
Sanaullah was responding to queries raised by the Opposition Leader in Senate Allama Nasir Abbas over the security situation in Balochistan. During the session, Senator Raja Nasir Abbas criticised the government over its failure to maintain law and order in Balochistan, saying the state does not have writ across the province at night.
Raja Nasir Abbas said the country was facing an economic, political, and law-and-order crisis and urged for the accountability of the people for lapses in security and oversight.
He noted that multiple cities of Balochistan had been targeted and that the attackers had sent a clear message to the world, signalling disillusionment with the state of affairs.
"Your duty is not to cry, it is to restore the writ of the state," he said. He questioned whether the chief minister or interior minister had resigned over these failures. He concluded by emphasising the need to uphold the rule of law and criticised unelected representatives entering parliament. "We must engage in dialogue and bring everyone on board," he said.
Earlier, Senate today unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
The resolution paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the security forces and law-enforcement agencies who continue to lay down their lives in the line of duty for the protection of citizens and the defence of the motherland.
The resolution reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to peace, development, and political inclusion in Balochistan, recognising that sustainable security is inseparable from socio-economic progress, good governance, and respect for constitutional rights.
It reiterated the resolve of the Pakistani nation that terrorism shall not be allowed to succeed, and that the unity of the State and the will of the people will prevail over all forces of violence, extremism and terrorism.
The resolution urged the Government to ensure a transparent, swift, and conclusive investigation into the incidents and bring the perpetrators, facilitators, and local and international sponsors of terrorism to justice in accordance with law.
The resolution was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar.