Terrorism in Pakistan continues to claim innocent lives, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has blamed the country’s “soft state” status for the growing wave of attacks. He raised a hard-hitting question — “How long will the armed forces fill the gaps of governance with the blood of martyrs?”
During a high-level in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, COAS Munir urged the need for better governance. “We must turn Pakistan into a hard state,” he stressed. The session took place amid the rising threat of terrorism in Pakistan. However, several key opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), did not attend the meeting.
The session followed a deadly terrorist attack on a passenger train in the Mushqaf area of Bolan, Balochistan. Militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) planted explosives on a railway track and launched a brutal assault on the Jaffar Express. The train was carrying over 440 passengers. The terrorists took them hostage in a well-coordinated act of violence.
Security forces responded quickly. After a complicated clearance operation, they killed 33 terrorists and rescued the hostages. However, the cost was high. A total of 26 people were martyred in this horrific act of terrorism. Among them were 18 military personnel from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC), three officials from Pakistan Railways and other departments, and five innocent civilians.
The high-profile meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, COAS General Asim Munir, DG ISI Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and chief ministers from all four provinces. Several senior officials also joined the discussion. Yet, notable absentees included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, and PTI members.
Addressing the meeting, General Munir said no individual or political movement is more important than the nation’s security. “Our existence depends on this country. That is why its safety is our top priority,” he said. He further emphasized that all elements of national strength must unite for peace and stability.
“We are fighting for our country’s survival and for future generations,” he declared. He called for a unified national stance, free from political and personal bias. He sent a clear warning to enemies of Pakistan. “Those who think they can weaken Pakistan through terrorism — today we are sending them a powerful message,” he stated. “We will crush them and those supporting them.”
The session’s final declaration condemned the recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan. The meeting showed solidarity with the victims’ families. It called for complete political unity to fight terrorism with full force.
The participants praised the bravery of Pakistan’s security forces. They reaffirmed the nation’s strong resolve to eliminate extremism in all its forms. The committee stressed the need for a solid political strategy. Only a combined national effort can overcome this threat of militancy.
The declaration also urged immediate execution of the National Action Plan (NAP) and the operational strategy ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’. These steps aim to destroy terrorist networks, cut off their supply chains, and break the links between terrorism and organized crime.
The participants also raised concerns about the use of social media by extremists. Terrorist groups are using digital platforms to spread hate and recruit new followers. The committee demanded the development of a robust mechanism to counter online terrorism.
The session reaffirmed full support for the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. It praised their sacrifices and commitment to defending Pakistan. The nation stands united with the Army, police, FC, and intelligence agencies in this war against terrorism in Pakistan.
“No individual or institution working with enemies will be allowed to disrupt the country’s peace,” the declaration concluded.
