Islamabad: A high-level security meeting held on Tuesday underscored the importance of national consensus and unified political will to combat terrorism with the full power of the state. However, the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), boycotted the meeting, citing the absence of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security was convened in response to a recent surge in terrorist attacks targeting security personnel, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Among the alarming incidents this month were the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, which claimed at least 31 lives, a suicide bombing in Noshki, and multiple attacks on KP police.
Chaired at Parliament House, the meeting brought together the country’s top civilian and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Members of the federal cabinet, provincial chief ministers, and representatives from all parliamentary parties—except the PTI-led opposition—also attended.
Following the meeting, a statement was issued condemning the recent terror attacks and reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms. The committee also acknowledged the sacrifices of security forces and law enforcement agencies, vowing full support for their efforts.
The discussion emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of the National Action Plan and Operation Azm-i-Istehkam to dismantle terrorist networks and their logistical support. Concerns were also raised about the increasing use of social media by terrorist organizations for propaganda, recruitment, and coordination. The committee called for effective measures to curb such activities.
Additionally, the meeting reiterated that no individual or institution acting in collusion with hostile forces would be allowed to threaten Pakistan’s stability. The committee regretted the absence of some opposition members but assured that the consultation process would continue.
The opposition, particularly PTI and TTAP, justified their absence by demanding that Imran Khan be allowed to participate in the discussion. TTAP leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai insisted that all political figures should be included in national security deliberations. PTI’s Salman Akram Raja further called for Imran Khan’s release on parole and rejected any new military operations, arguing that they would only worsen conditions in Balochistan and KP.
The PTI’s last-minute boycott drew sharp criticism from government leaders. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused PTI of prioritizing Imran Khan over national security, while Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon condemned the party for not participating in such a crucial discussion. Memon also alleged that India was supporting recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and that some political entities might have received foreign funding to destabilize the country.
Meanwhile, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the PML-N government, under Nawaz Sharif, had successfully tackled terrorism in the past through operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad. He criticized PTI’s governance in KP, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the province.
Strict security measures were enforced during the meeting, with media personnel barred from Parliament House for the day and mobile phones prohibited inside the National Assembly Hall. Despite the opposition’s absence, the committee’s declaration was unanimously approved by attending members.
