The government's counter-terrorism approach has sparked debate within its own ranks as PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui asserted on Saturday that the government retains the option to launch an operation if needed just days after the interior ministry ruled out a fresh military offensive against terrorism.
Stressing that terrorists cannot be allowed to roam freely and take innocent lives without facing consequences, the PML-N senator said that no major military operation was currently underway but the state has the authority to act wherever necessary to eliminate terrorism.
The comments from PML-N's parliamentary leader in the Senate have come after Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry categorically stated that no new military operation was under consideration amid a broader debate on counter-terror strategies following a high-level security huddle – Parliamentary Committee on National Security meeting.
At a Thursday news conference, Chaudhry had said a new military operation was not discussed at the parliamentary security moot, attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief. He had asserted that Azm-e-Istehkam and the National Action Plan (NAP) would be enforced to combat terrorism.
Chaudhry's remarks came to counter K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had reportedly opposed any new offensive in the province.
On Saturday, Senator Siddiqui also accused K-P CM Gandapur of attempting to turn the province into a safe haven for terrorists.
"Terrorists cannot be allowed to roam freely, play havoc with innocent citizens and go scot-free," Siddiqui, who is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, said in an interview on a private TV channel.
"Will our armed forces wait for Gandapur's permission if, God forbid, any misadventure is launched on our western border," Siddiqui questioned.
The senior PML-N leader said that former premier Imran Khan, in collaboration with the then military leadership, had brought back terrorists from Afghanistan and settled them in Pakistan, who have now become a major problem.
When asked about the concept of a "hard state," as referred to by the army chief in the security committee meeting, Senator Siddiqui explained that those attacking the state and killing innocent Pakistanis will be dealt with an iron hand, and no leniency will be shown to them.
Responding to another question, Senator Siddiqui clarified that a "hard state" simply means showing no mercy toward terrorists, their patrons, and those who glorify them on social media.
He noted that the "chief of the army staff has represented the sentiments of the entire nation by taking this stance."
Siddiqui lamented that even in the wake of events like May 9, the state unfortunately exhibited a soft approach. "In any other country," he said, "those involved in such despicable acts would have faced severe consequences."
Senator Siddiqui said that the hijacking of the Jaffar Express was a gruesome act of terrorism, which was condemned by the entire world, including the United Nations Security Council.
No one labelled it as nationalism or a struggle for fundamental rights, he said, adding everyone termed it terrorism. He, however, regretted that the leadership of a political party and its affiliated media launched a propaganda campaign, encouraging terrorists while attempting to incite hatred against the armed forces conducting the operation.
On the issue of bad governance, Senator Siddiqui pointed out that the remarks were made regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where over 90% of terrorist incidents have occurred. During the meeting on national security, it was reported that the army chief had made remarks about bad governance by saying how long the governance gap be filled by the blood of martyrs.
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