The National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday passed a resolution condemning recent incidents of violence in Balochistan, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has demanded that the elements who are attempting to provoke the Baloch people be brought to justice.
The condemnation resolution against the recent Balochistan incidents was presented in the National Assembly by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry from the treasury benches.
Separately, speaking to media persons outside Parliament, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Balochistan rightfully belonged to the Baloch people and that they had a greater claim to the province than anyone else.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that if some individuals were trying to create disorder in the name of the Baloch people, action must be taken against them.
Khawaja Asif further alleged that India was involved in subversive activities in Balochistan, adding that evidence of Indian interference existed in the form of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested by the Pakistan security forces some time ago.
The defence minister said that the issue of Indian and Afghan involvement in Balochistan would be raised on the floor of the House.
He said that the matter would also be highlighted both inside Parliament and at other relevant forums, and that India and Afghanistan would be brought to account over the issue.
Two days ago, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that India was behind the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, citing statements from arrested militants as pointing towards Indian involvement.
Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif said that peace has been restored in Balochistan and that the orchestrated attacks by terrorists had been completely foiled.
He added that the militants fled after leaving behind numerous casualties, while missing persons are believed to be agents of terrorist organisations.
The minister cautioned India and Afghanistan against using banned groups, such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, for orchestrating violence in Pakistan.
Khawaja Asif further said that the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has attempted to cloak its violent actions under the guise of human rights, highlighting the deceptive tactics of banned outfits operating in the region.
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Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary has said Pakistan will win the war against terrorism. Speaking in the National Assembly on a motion regarding the prevailing law and order situation in the country, particularly in Balochistan, he said security forces are effectively fulfilling their responsibilities. He noted that, with intelligence support, security forces successfully thwarted terrorists’ nefarious designs in the province. He said one hundred and seventy-seven terrorists were killed by security forces while engaging them at different locations.
Highlighting infrastructure improvements in Balochistan, including in the health, education, and road sectors, the Minister of State expressed regret that foreign-backed terrorist elements target these facilities. He said India is supporting terrorist elements in Balochistan. He said our security forces and political leadership defeated terrorism in the past and will do so again. He emphasized the need for all political parties to stand united and fully support the security forces.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly held discussion on the prevailing law and order situation in the country, particularly in Balochistan.
Participating in the debate, the members of Lower House strongly condemned terrorist activities in Balochistan.
Aliya Kamran said there can be no support for terrorists. She said issues in Balochistan should be resolved through dialogue.
Sofia Saeed commended the security forces for their action against terrorists in Balochistan. She emphasized the need for full implementation of National Action Plan.
Usman Badini highlighted the vast natural resources of Balochistan and emphasized that the Baloch people should be given their rights.
Participating in the discussion, Asad Qaiser said the casualties of security personnel and civilians in terrorist incidents have grieved the entire nation. He said there should be full implementation of National Action Plan for the eradication of terrorism.
Ijaz ul Haq said India is providing weapons and finances to terrorists in Balochistan.
Kiran Haider said the issues of Balochistan should be addressed with prudence to prevent the exploitation of Baloch youth by hostile elements.
Resolution on Kashmir
The National Assembly also passed a resolution urging the international community, including the United Nations, to play its due and effective role in resolving Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The resolution was moved by Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon.
It called upon the world community to force India to immediately end human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, lift all repressive measures, release all political prisoners and allow unhindered access to international human rights organizations and observers.
The resolution welcomed the US President Donald Trump’s initial offer of mediation to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute after May conflict between Pakistan and India.
Paying rich tributes to the sacrifices of brave and resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the House declared its complete and unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people and pledged to stand with them in all circumstances until their legitimate aspirations are realized.
It demanded India to immediately reverse its illegal actions of 5th August 2019 and refrain from any measures aimed at altering its demographic, political or legal status.
The resolution noted that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute, the final settlement of which awaits implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The House also rejected any unilateral decision by India regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, stressing that such actions threaten regional peace and stability and considered this illegal step as an act of war.
The House will now meet on Friday at eleven am.
