Senate strongly condemns terrorist attack in Bajaur

Islamabad: Members of the Upper House on Wednesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Bajaur and called for evolving an effective strategy to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.

Taking part in the discussion, JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri strongly condemned the terrorist attack as it was aimed at destabilizing the country. He reiterated that his party will not hesitate in rendering any sacrifice for the cause of Islam and Pakistan.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said we need to introspect as to how terrorism is again on the rise in Pakistan. He said terrorism should be eliminated to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. He questioned as to who had allowed terrorists to settle again in Pakistan. He urged the Chair to arrange a detailed in-camera briefing from the Interior Ministry so that a comprehensive and effective plan can be chalked out to fight terrorism.

Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the National Security Committee should brief the House over the security situation in the country. He said joint efforts are needed to fully defeat the menace of terrorism.

Haji Hidayat Ullah said perpetrators of the Bajaur terrorist attack should be taken to task to set an example.

Dost Muhammad Khan demanded of the Federal Government to announce a compensation package for the victims of the Bajaur incident.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar assured to take up the matter of announcing a compensation for the victims of the Bajaur incident with the Prime Minister and at the cabinet level.

Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said it is the responsibility of the federal and the provincial authorities as well as the security agencies to protect life and liberty of the citizens of Pakistan. He also demanded that the government should announce compensation for the victims of the Bajaur incident. He proposed that an in-camera session of the Parliament should be held to discuss the matter and to evolve a comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism.

Bahramand Tangi said we should refrain from political point scoring on the Bajaur incident and all stakeholders, including all political forces, to join hands in fighting the terrorism. He also emphasised on honouring and recognizing martyrs of the armed forces.

Tahir Bizinjo said Pakistan needs to review its Afghan policy and a new strategy should be in place in consultation with all the political forces of the country. He said peace can only be restored in Pakistan by having good relations with all the neighbouring countries and resolving conflicts through dialogue.

The House also offered fateha for the departed souls of martyrs, who laid down their lives in the terrorist attack in Bajaur. Maulana Attaur Rehman led the fateha.

The Senate today passed several bills.

These include: “The Pakistan Civil Aviation Bill, 2023”, “The Pakistan Air Safety Investigations Bill, 2023”, “The National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill, 2023” and “The Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2023.”

Those who spoke on the occasion include Hidayatullah Khan, Palwasha Khan, Saifullah Abro, Fida Muhammad, Molvi Faiz Muhammad, Kamran Murtaza, Danesh Kumar, Rana Maqbool Ahmad, and Syed Waqar Mehdi.

The House will now meet on Friday at 10:30 a.m.