Security huddle called amid uptick in terror attacks

Parliamentary committee to discuss evolving security challenges tomorrow

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ISLAMABAD:

Amid a surge in terrorist attacks, including the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express and escalating violence in Balochistan and Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa, the top military leadership is set to brief lawmakers on the country's security challenges on March 18, it emerged on Sunday.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the National Assembly speaker has convened a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security on Tuesday at 1:30 pm on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The in-camera session will focus on the country's security situation, with top military leadership providing a comprehensive briefing on evolving threats.

The meeting, scheduled to be held in the National Assembly hall, will be attended by cabinet members, parliamentary leaders, and nominated representatives from all political parties.

Military officials will present an assessment of internal and external threats amid growing concerns over the recent surge in terrorist activities.

Security concerns have escalated following a string of attacks, particularly in Balochistan, where militants recently hijacked a passenger train and carried out a suicide bombing on a security convoy.

Earlier, terrorists had attacked Bannu Cantonment in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa where 16 terrorists were killed and five soldiers were martyred. Also, Maulana Hamidul Haw Haqqani - the son of Maulana Samiul Haq and chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) - was among six people who perished in a recent suicide attack at the Darul Uloom Haqqani in Nowshera district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Amid renewed security challenges, the briefing is expected to provide lawmakers with a comprehensive overview of the situation, the state's response to counter emerging threats and the future course of action to deal with the security threats.

Pakistan has repeatedly blamed Afghanistan for the surge in terrorist attacks, allegations that Kabul has denied.

Islamabad claims Afghan nationals are increasingly involved in terrorist activities in the country. Initial investigations indicated that Afghan nationals were behind the recent terrorist attack targeting the Bannu Cantonment.

Following the train hijacking, Islamabad also linked the attack to Kabul, asserting that the hijacking of the Jaffar Express was orchestrated by "terrorists" in contact with "handlers in Afghanistan," while also accusing India of being the primary instigator behind the incident.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had said that India was the "main sponsor" of the attack in Balochistan, as well as previous acts of terrorism in the country.

He had also criticised Indian mainstream media for amplifying Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) propaganda, stating that their coverage relied on AI-generated visuals and footage from unrelated incidents.

Meanwhile, in a major policy decision, Pakistan has given Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders a March 31 deadline to leave the country or face deportation.

"Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) has been implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the government's decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, the national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders," read the official handout of the interior ministry.

 

"All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence April 1, 2025," the statement added. The interior ministry said sufficient time had already been granted for their dignified return.