Zafar Express hijacked. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Calls for National Action Plan 2

While addressing the National Assembly, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari demanded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formulate a National Action Plan 2, emphasizing that enemies of the country are exploiting political divisions. He recalled how, during the APS tragedy, political differences were set aside in favor of national interest, leading to the original National Action Plan, which helped Pakistan break the back of terrorism.

However, he expressed regret that Pakistan has lost the gains made in the fight against terrorism, as militant violence resurges. He pointed out that Pakistan has failed to build the same political consensus against terrorism as in the past, which global powers and the country’s enemies are now taking advantage of.

Bilawal reaffirmed that the PPP strongly condemns all forms of terrorism, recalling the losses suffered by both the party and the nation. He mentioned an attempt to abduct him from the former Prime Minister’s residence and reminded the assembly that Benazir Bhutto was martyred due to terrorism.

He stressed that terrorism is not a new issue for Pakistan and that in the past, the entire nation, from civilians to police and military personnel, contributed to eradicating terrorism. However, the current disunity is allowing militants to regain strength.

Bilawal criticized PTI, claiming that even during past efforts to counter terrorism, PTI pursued its own separate politics instead of standing united with the parliament. He accused PTI of being solely focused on securing the release of “Prisoner No. 804” (an apparent reference to their jailed leader) rather than working together to fight terrorism. He urged all political parties to set aside their differences and unite on national issues.

He also pointed out that every terrorist attack is more dangerous than the previous one, emphasizing that terrorists have no ideology, politics, or religion. Regardless of whether they are so-called religious extremists or Baloch separatists, their sole aim is spreading terror and hindering Pakistan’s progress.

Pti social media propaganda on the Jaffar Express attack “shameful.” Khawaja Asif

During the National Assembly session, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif criticized PTI, calling their social media propaganda on the Jaffar Express attack “shameful.” He accused PTI’s social media wing of giving credit to the terrorists and spreading misinformation that the attackers had “voluntarily released passengers.” He further alleged that PTI’s overseas social media activists were running conspiracies against Pakistan.

Khawaja Asif described the attack in Balochistan on the Jaffar Express as extremely tragic but praised the Pakistan Army’s historic efforts in fighting terrorism. He stated that the military conducted the counter-operation efficiently with minimal casualties and that soldiers bravely confronted the terrorists.

He also accused PTI of hypocrisy, claiming that the same party which once advocated for resettling militants in Pakistan was now raising concerns about terrorism. He questioned why PTI leaders do not take a strong stand against terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, yet in the past, they stood in favor of militants.

The Defense Minister criticized PTI’s social media brigade, calling them “cowards who sit abroad and conspire against the country.” He also condemned PTI’s failure to support a united parliamentary stance against the Jaffar Express attack, saying: “There should be some shame and dignity.”

Khawaja Asif emphasized that democracy lessons should come from those who have sacrificed for democracy, not from those who benefited from military rule. He pointed out that PTI had four years in government, during which General Bajwa and General Faiz Hameed promoted the idea of resettling terrorists.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan Calls for National Unity Against Terrorism

Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, condemned the Jaffar Express terrorist attack, stating that the country is engulfed in terrorism and unity is crucial. He expressed hope that all political parties would unite following the tragic incident.

Speaking in the National Assembly, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar condemned the Jaffar Express tragedy, mourning the martyrdom of four security personnel and 20 passengers. He expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and praised the Pakistan Army’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He acknowledged that security forces successfully completed the counterterrorism operation.

He also raised concerns about PTI being denied a fair voice in the parliament, stating that PTI representatives were often muted or cut off when speaking. He criticized the lack of adherence to parliamentary rules, pointing out that while the constitution mandates 130 days of assembly sessions, the last session lasted only 89 days.

Barrister Gohar insisted that important legislation should be thoroughly debated, stressing that when a bill is introduced, proper discussions must take place. He also emphasized that the President’s address should be respected and that all political parties must uphold democratic norms to create a more conducive political environment.

Concluding his remarks, Barrister Gohar called for moving forward instead of dwelling on the past. However, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq responded humorously, saying, “I have tried hard to forget the past, but you [PTI] never let me.

If Khawaja Asif had moral courage and a sense of shame, he would have resigned. Asad Qasar

Former National Assembly Speaker and PTI leader Asad Qaiser stated that the Defense Minister is overly fixated on PTI and social media. He added that if Khawaja Asif had moral courage and a sense of shame, he would have resigned.

While addressing the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser remarked that Khawaja Asif is blaming everything on PTI, but in reality, it is happening due to the government’s incompetence. He emphasized that for PTI, Pakistan always comes first and that they want to see institutions strengthened.

He further said that the judiciary was attacked under the guise of the 26th constitutional amendment. The country cannot move forward until the judiciary is independent. According to him, institutions are engaged in tasks that do not fall within their domain, and there is neither constitution nor law nor respect for institutions in the country. He accused government representatives of working on breaking PTI.

Asad Qaiser pointed out that businesses are closing, unemployment and despair are rising, and young people are losing hope. He stressed the need to improve the law and order situation in two provinces, criticizing the government for deliberately keeping smaller provinces deprived. He suggested that the government should present a roadmap on how to navigate the current crisis.

The former Speaker also emphasized the need to revisit the foreign policy, stating that Pakistan’s relations with Iran are strained and that there are concerns about ties with Afghanistan. He suggested that problems could be resolved through dialogue, as Peshawar’s economy depends on trade across the Afghan border. He warned against making Afghanistan a permanent enemy, considering it a war-torn country.

He called for action against all illegal residents in Pakistan and urged strong condemnation of any hostile actions against the country. He also insisted that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments be taken on board regarding counter-terrorism efforts and demanded action against criminal gangs in Sindh and Punjab’s riverine areas.

The PTI leader criticized the parliament, saying it lacks the strength to truly represent the people. He reiterated the demand for free and fair elections, asserting that only legitimate representatives can effectively run the parliament. He highlighted that cases were filed against 1,700 PTI members, many of whom were arrested. He also vowed to continue speaking about “Prisoner No. 804,” referring to PTI’s founding leader, whom he claimed was unjustly imprisoned.

Asad Qaiser challenged the government to contest elections against PTI’s grassroots workers, questioning claims that inflation had decreased. He invited government officials to visit markets and witness the reality. Sharing his observations, he stated that during PTI’s tenure, Lahore had improved, but his recent visit to Karachi left him deeply saddened, and he did not find “rivers of milk” flowing in Hyderabad either.