ISLAMABAD: In a show of national solidarity, the National Assembly has yet again expressed unanimous support for Pakistan’s military response to India’s recent acts of aggression.
The lawmakers from various political parties rallied behind the armed forces, applauding their stead-fast actions to defend the country’s sovereignty.
The latest escalation in the decades-old India-Pakistan rivalry began on May 7 when at least 31 civilians were killed in an unprovoked Indian cross-border attack. In retaliation, Pakistan downed its five fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones.
Meanwhile, India continues to send drones into Pakistani territory, with the military shooting down nearly 80, including Israeli-made IAI Heron — medium-altitude, long-endurance — unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking in the assembly, commended the military’s bold stance against India’s provocations. “We have effectively responded to India’s aggressive designs, and our armed forces are battling bravely along the Line of Control (LoC), border, and working boundary,” Asif said.
He highlighted the significant achievements of Pakistan’s military, such as the downing of five Indian fighter jets and the interception of a drone aimed at gathering intelligence on Pakistan’s positions.
Asif also reaffirmed the strategic support Pakistan has received from international allies, including Chi-na, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, who have stood by the country in this period of heightened tension.
“India’s closest allies have distanced themselves, and our adversary has failed to garner broad interna-tional backing,” Asif remarked.
The defence minister also spoke about the strategic importance of maintaining national morale, noting that Pakistan’s military is well-equipped and fully prepared for any escalation.
“Our forces are fighting valiantly and are 200% ready to confront any challenge,” Asif said, urging the public to remain confident in the army’s efforts.
PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser emphasised national unity during his address in the National Assembly, stating: “When Pakistan faces a challenge, the whole nation puts aside differences and stands united.”
He reaffirmed PTI’s role as a responsible political party and added: “For the sake of unity, we support-ed the resolutions presented in the house.”
Qaiser also highlighted the injustices faced by PTI members, referring to the mistreatment of party leadership and their imprisonment in Adiala Jail. “We were subjected to ill-treatment, but we held back our anger when India launched an attack,” he said.
Criticising the government, Qaiser condemned the decision regarding military courts, which he be-lieved was unconstitutional. “Military courts should not be used for civilian trials,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the denial of a meeting between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Min-ister Ali Amin Gandapur and the PTI founder, Imran Khan, despite a court order.
He accused the government of dividing the nation instead of fostering unity, adding: “The government has fragmented national unity.” Qaiser also condemned the ongoing crackdown on PTI workers, calling it an unlawful act against democracy. “This is treason,” he remarked.
Qaiser called for the release of PTI’s leadership, particularly Khan, who remains in jail. “If anything hap-pens to him, those responsible will be held accountable,” he warned.
He concluded by stressing that despite being in a state of war, the government should focus on na-tional security rather than political persecution. –Agencies
