NA condemns Iran attack, urges Pak role over Gulf crisis

Members express solidarity with Iran; urge Gulf states to resolve differences though dialogue

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed two resolutions – one condemning the terrorist attack on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini and the other calling upon the government to take steps for the unity of the Ummah in view of the ongoing Gulf crisis.

The first resolution – moved by Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid – expressed solidarity with the people and parliament of Iran. The resolution reiterated the resolve to combat the menace of terrorism in the region while joining forces with the neighbouring countries.

And the second resolution – moved by Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao of the Qaumi Watan Party – expressed concerns over diplomatic crisis in the Gulf region after seven countries cut off ties with Qatar.

The resolution called upon all countries to show restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue. It also called upon the Pakistan government to take concrete steps towards forging unity within the Ummah.



At the outset of proceedings, the house offered Fateha for those martyred in the terrorist attacks in Iran.

Speaking on the floor of the house, the members said the whole nation stands with the Iranian brethren in this hour of grief. They called terrorism a ‘common threat’ and stressed the need for collective efforts for its eradication.

Speaking on the diplomatic rift among the Muslim countries, Sherpao said that over the past few weeks, there had been a change in events and unrest in the region. He said a thorough briefing should be given on why Pakistan had attended the Riyadh summit.

“Pakistan’s foreign policy is in a reactive mode while it should play a proactive role in the present situation,” he said, adding that the parliament’s National Security Committee, headed by the National Assembly speaker, should take notice of the situation and arrange a briefing on the issue.



Dr Shireen Mazari of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded that the entire National Assembly should be briefed on the issue as Pakistan could not remain isolated on it.

She said that her party’s reservations over the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries were getting clear. She was of the view that Qatar was being isolated because it had good relations with Hamas and Iran. She called for disowning the military alliance till its terms of reference were cleared.

Syed Naveed Qamar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said after the terrorist attack, Iran maintained that it was a fallout of the Riyadh summit. He said it was for the first time that the footprint of the Islamic State group got evident in a terrorist activity in Iran.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sahibzada Tariqullah appreciated that despite the attack on the gate of Iranian parliament, the proceedings were not suspended.



Sheikh Salahuddin of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) said, “The regional situation is speedily changing and there seems no role of Pakistan in these matters.”

Awami Muslim League’s Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said, “Pakistan is still indecisive over the matter.” He said all parliamentarians wanted Pakistan to play an active role in the context, “but is there anyone who will listen to Pakistan’s advice?”

Rasheed insisted that the security of the Parliament House should be handed over to the Rangers, while clarifying that he was not a coward and had himself undergone four attacks.

“If terrorists can attack GHQ, Karachi Mehran Base and other installations then they could [come] to the Parliament House as well,” he said.



Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s Mehmood Achakzai said, “If Pakistan needs to be secure then parliament should be made a source of authority.” He added that Pakistan was being isolated.

Later, members belonging to the opposition parties staged a walkout from the house to press ahead with their demand for a live telecast of their budget speeches on the state-run Pakistan Television.