ISLAMABAD — Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made a startling revelation in the National Assembly on Thursday, disclosing that Afghan officials had once demanded Rs10 billion from Pakistan to “relocate terrorists,” yet refused to guarantee that cross-border attacks would cease. His comments came as he mourned the martyrdom of 12 security personnel in recent counter-terrorism operations.
Visibly emotional, Asif said three military officers and nine soldiers had laid down their lives in the past two days alone. Declaring the deteriorating security situation “intolerable,” he vowed that Pakistan’s security forces would now “go all out” against militant networks, even if it meant collateral damage.
“Enough is enough,” the minister said firmly. “Those who provide shelter to terrorists whether inside our borders or across the line will face a befitting response. There can be collateral damage in areas where terrorists take refuge and launch attacks on our convoys, but the fight must be fought.”
The session saw a rare moment of unity across political divides, with lawmakers from all parties setting aside their differences to pay tribute to the armed forces’ sacrifices. Regular Assembly proceedings were suspended to focus on the issue, as members voiced solidarity with Pakistan’s soldiers and officers fighting on the front lines.
Asif emphasized that no political or ideological hesitation could be tolerated when it comes to condemning acts of terrorism. He proposed sending a Pakistani delegation to Kabul to deliver a clear message: the current situation is “completely unacceptable,” and Afghanistan must now choose between Pakistan and terrorists.
Urging for a united national front, the minister said it was time for the entire nation federal and provincial governments alike to stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. “After operations like Marka-e-Haq and Bunyad-e-Marsous, the nation owes its security to the military,” he noted, adding that Pakistan’s international respect stemmed largely from the armed forces’ resilience and sacrifices.
Turning his attention to the millions of Afghan refugees still residing in Pakistan some now in their third generation Asif voiced frustration over what he described as a “lack of loyalty” toward the country that has hosted them for decades.
The minister’s fiery address drew strong support from across the House. Former Speaker Asad Qaiser and PPP’s Raja Pervaiz Ashraf both praised the military’s unwavering commitment. Ashraf went further, accusing India of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, saying the neighbouring country had faced “humiliation” after hurling baseless accusations against Islamabad.
Shahida Akhtar Ali of the JUI-F echoed the call for political neutrality in matters of national security, while PTI-backed Malik Aamir Dogar urged diplomatic engagement with Afghan authorities to eliminate terrorism at its roots.
From the MQM benches, Dr. Farooq Sattar saluted the martyrs and linked long-term peace to economic revival, stressing that stability on both fronts must go hand in hand. The session concluded with a Fateha prayer for the fallen soldiers, led by Ali Muhammad Khan of PTI.
