BLA, TTP two faces of same coin, minister tells National Assembly

Lawmakers in the National Assembly on Friday called the urgent need for all political parties to unite and develop a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s prevailing challenges particularly the terrorism and economic instability.

Participating in the debate on a motion expressing gratitude for the President’s address to the joint session of Parliament, senior PML-N leader Aftab Sheikh stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved without economic stability. “If we believe we can establish peace without improving the economy, we are deceiving ourselves,” he said, urging immediate attention to the country’s economic challenges in order to steer Pakistan out of its current difficulties.

Referring to a difficult period in Pakistan’s past, Aftab Sheikh Ahmed recalled that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had convened an All Parties Conference (APC), where leaders of political entities and institutions collectively devised a strategy to eliminate terrorism.

“Today, the situation demands the same unity and seriousness,” he added, adding that the Prime Minister has already announced plans for such consultations.

Aftab Sheikh underscored the importance of addressing the future of Pakistan’s youth—whether from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Balochistan said that securing their future and fulfilling their basic needs is vital for national stability. “Only then will the country move towards sustainable progress,” he added.

Senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sehar Kamran echoed similar sentiments, stressing the urgent need for national unity to address the challenges confronting Balochistan and the country at large.

She asserted that the situation in Balochistan could only be resolved if all political forces set aside their differences and demonstrated unity and solidarity.

She highlighted that the message of unity and reconciliation was a key theme in President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent address to the joint session of Parliament. “President Zardari has consistently called for national cohesion, and this is not the first time he has urged all political parties to unite against terrorism,” she noted.

Recalling the tragic terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in 2014, she said that despite the PPP being in opposition at the time, President Zardari had urged political forces to set aside their differences and work together in the national interest. “It was under his leadership that we endorsed the National Action Plan, which led to difficult yet necessary operations to restore peace in the country,” she added.

She said that the President expressed his commitment to addressing the deprivations of neglected regions, promoting development, and empowering the youth through job creation.

He identified the root causes of terrorism and extremism, said that economic progress and equitable distribution of resources are essential to eliminating these threats.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Zartaj Gul called on the government to brief Parliament regarding the measures being taken to combat terrorism across the country.

Talal stresses unity to take on terrorism

Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, Talal Chaudhry, on Friday commended the security forces for their successful operation against terrorists involved in the recent attack on the Jaffar Express, which saved the lives of innocent civilians, including women and children.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, he said, “The way our security forces conducted the operation during the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express to rescue innocent passengers deserves recognition. These brave individuals risked their lives to protect our people.”

Talal Chaudhry described tragic Jaffar Express attack as a cowardly act of terrorism. “From one side, there was an assault by militants hiding in the mountains; on the other, regrettably, social media was used to malign Pakistan’s security forces. These forces were protecting innocent civilians, including women, children, and government employees,” he said.

He warned that those facilitating terrorists through social media would be treated no differently than terrorists themselves. “Whether it’s BLA, TTP, or others, their handlers and trainers are operating from neighboring countries.” he said.

Talal Chaudhry attributed the resurgence of terrorism to policy failures post-2018.

He urged all political stakeholders to engage in serious dialogue on Pakistan’s future, particularly on issues of national security. “This is a matter of national security. Let’s sit down and talk—whether about the National Action Plan or any other strategy. But speeches alone won’t solve anything,” he said.

He praised the unity shown by the entire national leadership—including both the government and opposition in Balochistan—in addressing the menace of terrorism.

Dismissing negative perceptions about the province, he asserted, “There is no insurgency in Balochistan. What we are dealing with is terrorism—pure and simple. Whether it is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), their patterns are identical.”

Responding to concerns over the resurgence of terrorism, Talal Chaudhry stressed the urgent need for full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP). “It’s been 20 years, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received over Rs 600 billion through the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Yet, their Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) still operates from rented buildings and lacks proper resources,” he lamented.

He criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for failing to build institutional capacity. “Our intelligence agencies provide timely information, but implementation at the provincial level is missing. In Punjab, intelligence leads are acted upon, and results are visible. But in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, either there’s no capacity or no will to act,” he said.

Calling for accountability, he challenged political leaders to present their 13-year performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“They promised to turn KP into Europe. Yet, there’s no medicine in hospitals, law and order remains a concern, and even their own people admit that corruption has reached historic levels,” he added.

Talal Chaudhry expressed his readiness to present a comprehensive report on the Interior Ministry’s one-year performance before Parliament and for public scrutiny. “I am ready to present myself and the Interior Ministry’s one-year performance for accountability. Whether you need a day or a week, I am available 24/7 to answer questions. Where there are deficiencies, we will improve; where good work has been done, it deserves appreciation,” he pledged.

Appreciating the performance of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he highlighted the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference and international tournaments in a peaceful environment.

“Projects like bridges and underpasses, which used to take years, are now being completed in two months. Stadiums of international standards have been built and are a gift for Pakistan,” he said.