——- NA passes resolution against Jaffar Express attack
——- Bilawal laments lack of unity among political forces
——- All happening due to incompetence, Qaiser tells govt
——- Gohar calls for national unity in wake of terrorism
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The government and the opposition on Thursday traded barbs over the Jaffar Express train hijacking, with both sides of the aisle blaming each other for the terrorist attack that resulted in over two dozen deaths. Scores of people were rescued from the train hijacked by militants in Balochsitan’s Bloan, hours after security forces killed all 33 attackers to end a day-long standoff.
The militants blew up the rail tracks and opened fire on the Jaffar Express as it made its way to Pesha-war from Quetta, the capital of mineral-rich Balochistan, taking hostage several of the 440 aboard.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is responsible for the attack, in which 21 hostages were killed and four security troops martyred.
In the National Assembly session, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif underscored that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was propagating over the terror incident, PTI leader Asad Qaiser blamed the government’s incompetence for the attack. During the session, in a rare show of unity, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the hijacking of the Jaffer Express.
The resolution moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary appreciated the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, FC, SSG and law enforcement agencies for their unwavering com-mitment, bravery and sacrifice in safeguarding the lives of the citizens and protecting the integrity of Pakistan. It recognised that their heroic efforts in neutralising the terrorists involved in the attack on Jaffar Ex-press reflect the resolve and readiness of security forces to defend the nation at all costs.
The lower house of parliament expressed the resolve to take every possible measure to eliminate ter-rorism from every corner of the country, affirming that no group, individual, and ideology that seeks to undermine the nation’s security, prosperity and sovereignty will be allowed to spread fear, hatred and violence within the territorial limits of the country.
It expressed the commitment to working relentlessly to root out terrorism in all its forms and manifes-tations. The House also called upon the people, regardless of their ethnicity and religion, to unite in the fight against terrorism and reject extremism, ensuring peace, safety and prosperity for future generations.
Defence Minister Asif strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, highlighting that passengers were separated based on their ethnicity and provincial affiliation.
Asif pointed out that the PTI is reluctant to condemn terrorist organisations. He praised Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti for standing firm against threats in Balochistan and criticised the PTI who, he claimed, out of fear, “refuse to condemn terrorists”.
He also condemned the spread of misinformation on social media, highlighting that a post from a PTI-affiliated page falsely claimed that 100 people had been martyred in the Jaffer Express tragedy.
“The entire nation witnessed how PTI’s social media interpreted the incident,” Asif said. “Instead of acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces, they promoted a false narrative, claiming the terrorists themselves released the hostages.”
The minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the attack, emphasising that such tragedies cause immense grief, which is further aggravated by the spread of misinformation.
He alleged that this misleading account was circulated by verified PTI-affiliated accounts, particularly those operated by supporters living abroad.
Without naming individuals, Asif criticised those who, according to him, fled the country but continued to malign national institutions from overseas. “These people lack the courage to return and face the law, yet they dare to question others,” he added.
The defence czar also reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army has led the fight against terrorism and that the entire nation stands in support of the armed forces.
He also referenced a past statement by General Bajwa and General Faiz, who had reportedly suggest-ed that settling terrorists in Pakistan was in the country’s best interest.
The minister claimed that intelligence sources confirmed the attackers’ links to Afghanistan.
Asif stressed that Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to take action against terrorist groups such as the BLA. However, he asserted that real progress is only possible if past mistakes are acknowl-edged.
Asif also accused the PTI of attempting to seize power at any cost while failing to prioritise national se-curity.
During his speech, Asif criticised the PTI members for disrupting proceedings and engaging in political double standards. He added that the PTI members question the legitimacy of state institutions when it suits them, yet they continue to benefit from the same system.
He urged the opposition to focus on Pakistan’s survival rather than defending one individual. Asif em-phasised that the country’s security and stability should take precedence over personal political bat-tles. He urged PTI members to abandon their confrontational approach and work towards national uni-ty.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism remains a top priority.
The defence minister criticised the PTI further, saying that they seem to forget their own actions while in power.
He remarked that those now raising concerns about the Ojhri Camp incident and the Hamoodur Rah-man Commission report failed to take any action on these matters when they were in government.
