ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly, the lower house of the country’s Parliament, on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the hijacking of Jaffar Express and all acts of terrorism that endanger the lives of people and disrupt the peace.
The resolution moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary appreciated the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, FC, SSG and law enforcement agencies for their unwavering commitment, bravery and sacrifice in safeguarding the lives of the citizens and protecting the integrity of Pakistan.
The resolution recognized that their heroic efforts in neutralizing the terrorists involved in the attack on Jaffar Express reflect the resolve and readiness of security forces to defend the nation at all costs.
The House expressed the resolve to take every possible measure to eliminate terrorism from every corner of the country, affirming that no group, individual or 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 manifestations.
The House 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.
Pakistan’s war against terror
Participating in the discussion on the Presidential address to the Joint Sitting of the Parliament in the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistan will emerge victorious in the war on terrorism with the nation’s support for the armed forces.
He said the security forces successfully eliminated the terrorists who attacked Jaffar Express in Balochistan, thus preventing the crisis from worsening.
The Defence Minister underscored that the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was propagating over the terror incident. He criticised the PTI for targeting the state institutions on social media.
Misinformation on Social Media
Khawaja 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.
Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan and paid tributes to the brave security forces for taking on the terrorists and managing to save a substantial number of passengers.
He said these terrorists have no ideology or religion. He said the terrorists, enjoying the backing of some foreign forces, only want to kill innocent people and impede the progress of Pakistan.
He emphasized the need for unity in political ranks and consensus to once again defeat the terrorists.
He said President Asif Ali Zardari, in his address to the joint sitting of the parliament, also highlighted the need for unity and consensus to deal with the challenges.
Participating in the discussion on the president’s address to the joint sitting of the parliament, Farooq Sattar called for reviewing and further strengthening the National Action Plan against terrorism.
Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh stressed the need for forging unity to ensure development and progress of Balochistan and the country.
Those who also spoke on the occasion include Pullain Baloch and Mehmood Khan Achakzai.
At the outset, the house offered fateha for the security personnel and passengers martyred in a terror attack on Jaffar Express.
The House will now meet tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
Jaffar Express attack
On Tuesday, a group of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express en route from Quetta to Peshawar, blowing up the railway track and attacking the train with rockets.
Pakistan security forces swiftly responded to the attack and successfully eliminated all 33 terrorists, including suicide bombers, while rescuing the hostages in a phased manner in Operation Jaffar Express.
The terrorists, after blowing up the railway track, took control of the train and held the passengers hostage including women, children and elderly, using them as human shields.
Security forces immediately responded to the situation. Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the terrorists with precision after a prolonged, intense and daring operation.
The security forces have successfully eliminated all thirty-three terrorists including suicide bombers, while rescuing the hostages in a phased manner.
Tragically, during the stage of this intense standoff, the terrorists took the lives of 21 innocent hostages, before the commencement of clearance operation.
Additionally, 4 brave security forces soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat. Their selfless actions saved countless lives and prevented further catastrophe.
The security forces of Pakistan are working tirelessly to provide support and assistance to the families of the victims and the rescued hostages.
Sanitization operation is also being conducted in the area and abettors of this cowardly and heinous act will be brought to justice.
Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed that the attack was orchestrated and directed by terrorist ring leaders operating from Afghanistan, who were in direct communication with the terrorists throughout the incident.
Pakistan expects the Interim Afghan Government to uphold its responsibilities and deny the use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
ISPR further said that the security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
It said that the sacrifices of innocent civilians and our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment and resolve to safeguard our nation at all costs.
