90,000 countrymen killed in war against terrorism, NA told

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Wednesday said that terrorism has inflicted a devastating toll on Pakistan, claiming the lives of over 90,000 people, including civilians, security personnel and law enforcement officials.

Responding to a Point of Order in the National Assembly raised by Sunni Ittehad Council MNA, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, he said Pakistan has paid a steep price in the war against terror, both in terms of human lives and economic losses, which run into hundreds of billions of dollars.

He emphasized that in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, security forces and law enforcement agencies have relentlessly pursued and neutralized the perpetrators to safeguard cities and communities.

Commenting on the resurgence of terrorist activities in the country, Dr. Tariq questioned the underlying factors behind this new wave of violence.

He raised concerns about foreign involvement, saying that investigations point toward the presence of Indian-backed proxy groups operating within Pakistan, which are being actively targeted and dismantled by security agencies.

“The core driver of the ongoing conflict with India is the presence of these foreign-sponsored elements. Our forces are engaged in a broader national effort to neutralize such threats,” he said.

Dr. Tariq reiterated the government’s commitment to the full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), stressing that it is being enforced nationwide.

He also highlighted the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister in Apex Committee, where decisions are taken through consensus and inter-agency coordination.

The minister clarified that military and law enforcement operations are not arbitrary but are intelligence-driven, targeting areas where terrorists have established safe havens and are planning attacks.

“There is a strong, unified demand from the people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorism in all its forms,” the minister said, adding, “We salute the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty and commend the unwavering courage of those who continue to defend the nation.”

MPs express concern over Parliament Lodges

During the Question Hour in the National Assembly on Wednesday, members from various political parties voiced strong concerns over the persistent issues surrounding the Parliament Lodges and demanded urgent remedial action.

Responding to a question raised by Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam, Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik informed the House that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has no role in the allocation of budget and allotment of lodges. He clarified that CDA’s responsibility was limited to budget utilization as per the directions of the Parliament’s House and Library Committee.

In response to a supplementary question by Aamir Dogar, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah acknowledged that the CDA’s performance regarding the Parliament Lodges has been far from exemplary. He noted that a director and deputy director were suspended in the past due to mismanagement. He further informed that a meeting in the Planning Division is underway, and tenders will be issued once approval is granted. Currently, 51 MNAs have no official accommodation.

PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar suggested outsourcing lodges management, arguing that the quality could significantly improve with the current budget if handled by private firms. He added that the matter is under discussion in the Standing Committee on Finance.

MNA Noor Alam Khan highlighted that while MNAs are paying rent and utility bills on time, employees at the lodges are receiving unnecessary perks. He criticized the inefficient deployment of nearly 200 CDA staff, stating that only two or three workers are available when called.

He also pointed out that the gym at the Parliament Lodges is often used by outsiders rather than elected members.

MNA Syed Waseem said that room allotments should be based on merit. He suggested reallocating lodges from ministers who have moved to the Ministers’ Colony to MNAs currently without accommodation.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed it a serious issue affecting all MNAs. He stressed that complaints about the lodges are frequent and persistent. He underscored the need to complete a construction project that has been pending since 2008 to resolve space shortages. He also highlighted that management inefficiencies are a major concern and stated that CDA can only improve performance if it receives adequate funding. He mentioned janitorial services and other maintenance issues as key management shortcomings.

The Deputy Speaker concluded by announcing that janitorial services at the Parliament Lodges are being outsourced in an effort to improve conditions.

1.3 million afghan refugees repatriated

Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees have been repatriated from Pakistan so far.

Responding to a question raised by MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan during the National Assembly session, Malik stated that around 3 million Afghan refugees had been residing in Pakistan. Of these, 813,000 hold Afghan Citizen Cards (ECC), while 1.3 million possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.

He emphasized that under the One Document Regime, Afghan nationals who wish to enter Pakistan for medical treatment, education, or business purposes are welcome, provided they obtain the appropriate visa and carry valid documentation.