Senate debates Islamabad Imambargah terror attack, offers Fateha for martyrs

The Senate on Monday offered Fateha for those martyred in the Imambargah blast in Islamabad, as lawmakers from across the political spectrum called for a detailed debate on the tragic terrorist incident during the session.

Senator Murtaza Kamran termed the blast a “major terrorist incident” and urged that normal proceedings be suspended to discuss the matter. Supporting the call, Senator Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the issue must be discussed in the House, with all senators expressing their views before the government presents its stance.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar also endorsed the discussion on the terrorist incident in Islamabad, while emphasizing that important bills listed on the agenda should also be taken up. “The bills that can be taken up, we will deal with them,” he said.

The Senate session then began a formal debate on terrorism in Islamabad, during which Leader of the Opposition Allama Raja Nasir Abbas presented detailed remarks. He stated that more than 200 people were martyred and injured in the brutal attack and claimed that ISIS had taken responsibility for the incident.

Referring to previous incidents, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas recalled a past terrorist attack in the Islamabad court and questioned the security arrangements at the Imambargah, saying there was no proper police security at the scene. He said many of those martyred were in a state of prostration during prayers and that a young man, Aon Abbas, ran from the prayer rows and attempted to stop the attacker.

He said that although the Islamabad Police and the IG reached the site soon after the incident, ambulances were significantly delayed. He criticized the emergency response, saying no emergency was imposed and that PIMS hospital had limited facilities, mentioning it only had one X-ray machine. He added that a large number of young students were among the martyrs.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas stressed that tragic incidents should not be used for point-scoring and warned that extremist elements were growing stronger, saying, “First it was TTP, now ISIS too.” He questioned the government’s ability to protect lives and properties and called for urgent steps to curb extremism.

Senator Pervez Rashid termed the Tarlai attack a cowardly act and said the entire nation was united against terrorism. He recalled the sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto and said Nawaz Sharif had initiated a strong war against terrorism that had nearly eradicated the menace. He said terrorists operate with a rigid agenda, believing their ideology to be right and considering terrorism as a reward. “We will send a message to terrorists that we will continue our lives and defeat you,” he added.

Senator Sherry Rehman expressed anger over the absence of federal ministers during the debate on such an important issue. She said that after completing the agenda, the House was discussing the Tarlai tragedy, yet not a single federal minister was present, except the law minister who attends Question Hour. She paid tribute to the sacrifices of security forces and civilians and said efforts had been made in the past to bring misguided individuals back into the mainstream.

She stressed the need for clarity in understanding terrorism and criticized the lack of briefing to the House by the interior minister. She said Pakistan had previously driven Al-Qaeda out of the region and that the state must respond firmly to terrorism.

During her speech, opposition members used unparliamentary language, prompting protests from government benches. The Senate deputy chairman ordered removal of the objectionable remarks from the record.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas later demanded that a joint session of both houses be convened and that former top military and intelligence officials be called to clarify the situation.

Meanwhile, PTI submitted a resolution in the House regarding the Islamabad tragedy, signed by all its MNAs. The resolution called for indiscriminate action against terrorists and demanded enhanced security at places of worship and religious sites.