The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday over 90,000 people, including civilians, security personnel and law enforcement officials, lost their lives due to terrorism in the country.
Responding to a point of order raised by Sunni Ittehad Council MNA Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan has paid a steep price in the war against terror, both in terms of human lives and economic losses, which run into hundreds of billions of dollars.
He emphasized that in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, security forces and law enforcement agencies have relentlessly pursued and neutralised the perpetrators to safeguard cities and communities.
Addressing concerns over the recent resurgence of terrorist activities, Dr. Tariq raised questions about the underlying causes behind the new wave of violence.
He expressed serious concerns about foreign interference, stating that investigations indicate the involvement of Indian-backed proxy groups operating within Pakistan. These groups, he said, are being actively targeted and dismantled by the country's security apparatus.
"The core driver of the ongoing conflict with India is the presence of the foreign-sponsored elements. Our forces are engaged in a broader national effort to neutralize such threats," he said.
Dr Tariq reiterated the government's commitment to the full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), stressing that it is being enforced nationwide.
He also highlighted the role of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister in Apex Committee, where decisions are taken through consensus and inter-agency coordination.
The minister clarified that military and law enforcement operations are not arbitrary but are intelligence-driven, targeting areas where terrorists have established safe havens and are planning attacks.
"There is a strong, unified demand from the people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorism in all its forms," the minister said.
Afghan refugees
Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik informed the National Assembly that approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees have been repatriated from Pakistan so far.
Responding to a question raised by MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan during the National Assembly session, Malik stated that around 3 million Afghan refugees had been residing in Pakistan. Of these, 813,000 held Afghan Citizen Cards (ECC), while 1.3 million possessed Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
He emphasised that under the One Document Regime, Afghan nationals who wish to enter Pakistan for medical treatment, education, or business purposes are welcome, provided they obtain the appropriate visa and carry valid documentation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Shazia Marri praised the Pakistan armed forces for giving a strong and befitting response to Indian aggression, saying it has made the nation proud.
Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, she said that Pakistani women stand shoulder to shoulder with the military in the defense of the motherland.
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