Jaffar Express attack: Khawaja Asif slams PTI for spreading ‘false information’

WEB DESK: Addressing the Parliament on Thursday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif began a tirade against against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), as he maintained that the nation witnessed party supporters’ social media reaction to Jaffar Express attack where as spread ‘false information’: “Some claimed that terrorists released the hostages themselves.” Asif stated that the entire nation can take pride in the fight against terrorism, but PTI supporters appear adamant on spreading propaganda.

Asif said that the war against terrorism is still being waged and the role of Pakistan armed forces has been exemplary. The Jaffar Express siege which began on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday night, taking lives of 25 including some FC men.

He said that Pakistan will eradicate terrorism from its roots and informed the National Assembly that Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Balochistan will be holding a meeting which will include discussions on the future course of action.

“There was a tense atmosphere for the past two days, but the role played by armed forces has been unprecedented in history, said Asif, adding that security forces demonstrated outstanding performance with minimal losses, and ensured the safe recovery of hostages.

The Defence Minister called the operation against terrorists as a ‘golden chapter’.

Jaffar Express attack: at least 25 bodies retrieved

“I had past associations with martial law, and I have apologised for it, but in the past, some argued that settling terrorists would benefit the country, and we cannot move forward without acknowledging past mistakes,” said Asif.

He insisted that even today, there is an opportunity to progress before moving to the deteriorating situation in Kurram, targeting KP government.

“Has peace been established in Kurram? Has any action been taken against terrorists?” he asked pointing out that Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti was firm in his resolve against militants.

He criticised the KP government for not speaking out against terrorists out of ‘fear’.

“PTI can fight for power but not for national security, the party is internally collapsing so those who point fingers at others should first reflect on their own past,” he stated.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Wednesday, however, lauded the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, stressing the need for upholding the rule of law and adherence to constitutional principles.

“The Pakistan Army has been making immense sacrifices for the country,” Barrister Gohar said, while acknowledging the efforts of security forces in maintaining stability especially during the Jaffar Express attack.

“We must move forward by leaving the past behind,” he urged, calling for a collective effort to ensure national progress but Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, in response, remarked, “We attempted to move on from the past, but nothing changed.”