The Senate on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning unprovoked aggression and hostile cross-border actions originating from the territory of Afghanistan, terming them violations of international law and established diplomatic norms, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The resolution was presented by Senator Sherry Rehman and adopted by the House in the presence of Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The resolution declared that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity or national security would be considered a direct affront to the nation’s dignity and would be met with a firm, proportionate and decisive response.
The House paid tribute to the bravery, professionalism and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement personnel for remaining vigilant in the defence of the country’s borders.
Recalling Pakistan’s decades-long engagement with Afghanistan, the Senate noted “ with profound regret that the country had borne significant economic, social and security burdens for over 40 years by hosting millions of Afghan nationals, extending humanitarian assistance, facilitating peace efforts and advocating for Afghanistan’s stability in international forums.
The resolution stated that these efforts were often undertaken at immense cost to Pakistan’s own national development and internal security.
Expressing disappointment over what it termed a lack of reciprocal goodwill, the House referred to hostile rhetoric, cross-border violations and the persistent presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil, describing the situation as a troubling pattern undermining bilateral understandings.
The Senate demanded that the Afghan Taliban regime immediately cease all hostile actions, prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorism or aggression against Pakistan, and honour international obligations and commitments to peaceful coexistence.
At the same time, the resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement, regional peace and mutually respectful relations, while cautioning that the country’s patience must not be misconstrued as weakness, nor its desire for stability mistaken for inability to respond decisively.
The House also called upon the international community to take serious note of the developments and urged the Afghan authorities to adhere to international norms and prevent further destabilisation of the region.
Concluding the resolution, the Senate declared that it stood united beyond political divides in defence of Pakistan’s sovereignty and supported all necessary measures undertaken by the state to safeguard its territorial integrity and national honour.
The resolution was adopted amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where security concerns have resurfaced in recent weeks.
Gilani commends Armed Forces
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday paid tribute to the armed forces and security agencies for timely and effective response to aggression in the border areas from Afghanistan.
In a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat’s Media Directorate, Gilani said no compromise could be made on the country’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He stated that any force or elements attempting to challenge Pakistan’s borders and national security would be met with a strong, befitting and decisive response.
Referring to last night’s aggression in the border regions, which he attributed to the Afghan Taliban regime, the chairman said the armed forces had responded with exceptional professionalism, courage and well-calculated strategy.
He termed the response commendable and a matter of national pride, and appreciated bravery, vigilance and unwavering commitment of security personnel in defending the homeland. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its defenders,” he said.
Gilani further asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces possessed full capability to defend every inch of the country and would not allow anyone to cast an evil eye on its territory.
He underscored that the people of Pakistan, along with the armed forces and security institutions, were fully prepared to thwart and defeat any hostile designs.
The Senate chairman concluded by saying the nation remained united on matters of national security and that Pakistan’s defence was in safe and invincible hands.
Gilani added that every possible measure would be taken to safeguard the country’s stability and sovereignty, and that hostile intentions would continue to be foiled.
