Addressing the Parliament on Thursday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the war against terrorism is still being waged and the role of Pakistan armed forces has been exemplary. He was referring to the Jaffar Express siege which began on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday night, taking lives of 25 including some FC men. He slammed the terrorists and said that Pakistan will eradicate terrorism from its roots.
Asif informed the National Assembly that Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Balochistan will be holding a meeting which will include discussions on the future course of action.
“There was a tense atmosphere for the past two days, but the role played by armed forces has been unprecedented in history, said Asif, adding that security forces demonstrated outstanding performance with minimal losses, and ensured the safe recovery of hostages.
The Defence Minister called the operation against terrorists as a ‘golden chapter’.
Jaffar Express attack: at least 25 bodies retrieved
Asif stated that the entire nation can take pride in the fight against terrorism, but moving to the usual tirade against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), he maintained that the nation also witnessed party supporters’ social media reaction to the incident: “Some claimed that terrorists released the hostages themselves.”
“I had past associations with martial law, and I have apologised for it, but in the past, some argued that settling terrorists would benefit the country, and we cannot move forward without acknowledging past mistakes,” said Asif.
He insisted that even today, there is an opportunity to progress before moving to the deteriorating situation in Kurram, targeting KP government.
“Has peace been established in Kurram? Has any action been taken against terrorists?” he asked pointing out that Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti was firm in his resolve against militants.
He criticised the KP government for not speaking out against terrorists out of ‘fear’.
“PTI can fight for power but not for national security, the party is internally collapsing so those who point fingers at others should first reflect on their own past,” he stated.