Several Pakistani senators emphasized the need for immediate action against India-backed terrorism in Balochistan following the tragic school bus bombing in Khuzdar. The attack, which killed three innocent schoolgirls, sparked calls in the Upper House for stronger defense measures, enhanced national security, and unity against terrorism.
Senator Faisal Vawda proposed a significant boost to the defense budget, suggesting a 2-3x increase in funding to enhance Pakistan’s military capabilities. He also recommended a pay raise for Pakistan Armed Forces personnel and the implementation of strategies that would allow Pakistan to effectively respond to India’s growing aggression.
Highlighting the ongoing conflict, Vawda urged that national development must pause until the pressing security challenges are addressed. He further called for constructive dialogue with the opposition to achieve political unity.
Faisal Vawda reassured the nation about its security but underlined the challenge of finding innovative ways to manage the budget effectively to meet these new demands.
Other senators echoed these sentiments. Senator Anwar ul Haq Kakar emotionally condemned the loss of innocent lives, attributing the attack to extremist ideologies promoted by India’s RSS and BJP.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui strongly condemned the Khuzdar attack and called for eradicating the terrorists without sympathy or negotiations. He said that India is providing funding, weapons, and training to such groups and emphasized the importance of crushing terrorism decisively.
Senator Sherry Rehman reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast opposition to terrorism in all forms, highlighting the nation’s history of firm yet flexible responses to such acts. Referring to instances like the capture of Kulbhushan Jadhav, Rehman presented evidence of India’s involvement in destabilizing activities. She drew attention to Pakistan’s sacrifices, reminding the house of the many lives lost to terrorism, including political figures like Benazir Bhutto.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan lamented Pakistan’s failure to fully implement the National Action Plan introduced after the APS tragedy in Peshawar. He urged immediate action to enforce the plan and hold officials accountable for lapses.
Khan criticized past indecision on how to tackle the Taliban and stressed the importance of engaging meaningfully with neighboring countries like Iran and Afghanistan to ensure lasting regional peace. He further advised moving away from proxy conflicts and focusing on making Pakistan a hub of stability and trade.
Across party lines, senators came together to underscore the need for unity and tougher measures to fight terrorism. Strong emphasis was placed on rejecting negotiations with terrorist groups and holding India accountable for its actions. The loss of the young martyrs in Khuzdar served as a rallying cry for a national commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring a safer future for Pakistan.
