ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (APP):Lawmakers in the National Assembly on Wednesday resumed debate on the escalating situation in the region, with members urging diplomatic intervention and national unity.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Mirza Ikhtiar Baig urged major regional and global powers to play an active role in defusing rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that continued conflict could further destabilize the Muslim world.
Baig noted that while negotiations with Iran were ongoing, Israel launched an attack on the country, exacerbating regional security concerns. He described the situation as deeply troubling, with Muslim nations divided and confronting both internal and external pressures.
Calling for urgent diplomatic efforts, Baig said Pakistan, as an elder brother among Muslim nations, along with Turkey, Russia, China, and the United Nations Secretary-General, should play a proactive role in preventing further escalation.
Usama Hamza highlighted that the attack on Iran had entered its fifth day, alleging that it was part of a broader pattern of Western interventions in Muslim countries since 2001. He claimed that “arrogant powers” had repeatedly targeted Muslim states over the past two decades, citing Iraq, Libya, and Yemen as examples of military interventions based on allegations that later proved unfounded. He urged the Muslim world to reflect on its collective role and unity amid growing regional tensions.
Sheikh Aftab Ahmed expressed deep concern over the conflicts, saying he was “heartbroken” over the situation in the Middle East, particularly the recent attack on Iran. He criticized Israel’s actions, alleging that the country had previously devastated Palestinian areas and caused widespread destruction in Muslim-populated regions. Ahmed described the situation as tragic, asserting that certain global powers continue efforts to destabilize and weaken Muslim nations.
Muhammad Farooq Sattar termed the regional situation a “critical and historic juncture,” noting that both the region and Pakistan were at a sensitive turning point requiring unity and clarity of purpose. He referred to the in-camera briefing provided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, suggesting that a joint session of Parliament should also be convened to ensure the participation of all elected representatives, including those unable to attend the briefing.
He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford internal divisions at this stage. “We must not allow any rift between brothers within the country that could be exploited by others,” he said, stressing the need for a clear and unified national stance. He highlighted Pakistan’s close ties with neighboring Iran, as well as its longstanding relations with Gulf countries, calling for a diplomatic approach that safeguards all strategic partnerships during this challenging period.
PPP leader Shahida Rehmani described the developments in Iran as a moment of historic significance, recalling the sacrifices of Karbala and the enduring legacy of Imam Hussein (RA) as a defining moment for the Muslim Ummah. She said Iran had faced attacks, sanctions, and diplomatic isolation but continued to demonstrate resilience, uniting its people despite pressure from the United States and its allies.
Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani called for greater unity among Muslim nations, emphasizing the need for collective reflection and coordinated action in light of escalating tensions. He highlighted Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s decades-long role in the country’s political and religious affairs and noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to condemn recent hostilities against Iran. He urged the Muslim Ummah to recognize the gravity of the crisis, citing division among Muslim states.
Naeema Kishwar Khan expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Iran’s religious leadership, stressing that Parliament should be fully informed about the evolving regional situation. She proposed that sensitive details be discussed in an in-camera session so lawmakers could speak responsibly and avoid speculation.
Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro paid tribute to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, describing him as a dominant figure in Iranian politics for over three decades. She acknowledged both his role in the Islamic Revolution and his strict governance style, noting that under his leadership, Iran pursued resistance against its adversaries. She also prayed for Pakistan’s stability, highlighting the country’s nuclear program established under former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, which strengthened Pakistan’s global standing.
Ali Muhammad warned that escalating tensions involving Iran could directly impact Pakistan, urging the government to adopt a clear and proactive diplomatic stance. He cited growing strategic ties between India and Israel, stressing that any harm to Iran could have broader regional consequences.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said that Pakistan strongly condemned the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and his associates, including senior leaders, describing the attacks as unacceptable.
“Pakistan has expressed its stance in clear terms and will continue to uphold a responsible position regarding this situation,” he said.
He also highlighted the ongoing attacks in other Gulf states, calling for regional de-escalation. “Pakistan does not wish to take sides or enter the conflict. As a good neighbor and responsible partner, we are advocating for peace and stability,” he added.
He urged all parties to reduce tensions and seek dialogue to ensure stability in the region. He further acknowledged the participation of parliamentary leaders and senior officials in a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, where detailed briefings were provided on the current Gulf situation, underlining Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic engagement.
He referred to a high-level briefing at the Prime Minister’s House, convened under the invitation of the Prime Minister, where parliamentary leaders from allied parties and senior officials—including the Foreign Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister—received detailed updates on the security situation in Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gulf region. Leaders from various parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) leader Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and MQM-P’s Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, participated and shared their views, emphasizing collaborative decision-making.
He expressed regret that the opposition chose to boycott the briefing. “This session was not about party politics or advantage. It was about national policy and Pakistan’s security in a challenging regional environment,” he said.
The Minister called on the opposition to actively engage in discussions on national security, stressing that a unified voice strengthens Pakistan’s stance and sends a strong message to the nation and the region. “Every policy decision must prioritize Pakistan’s interests while maintaining responsible relations with neighboring Islamic countries. Input from all parliamentary sides is crucial for effective policymaking,” he added.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary highlighted the critical security and geopolitical challenges facing Pakistan.
He emphasized that the government is fully aware of its responsibility to navigate these challenges effectively.
“Before beginning, I want to briefly remind the house that historically, Pakistan has always acted as a stabilizer in the region,” he said. “Despite complicated relations with neighboring countries, especially India, Pakistan has consistently advocated for peace and never initiated hostility. Even when terrorism affected our own soil, we endured and responded with resilience.”
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding support for Afghanistan while underlining concerns over cross-border terrorism linked to the Afghan Taliban.
He said Pakistan has made significant sacrifices for Afghanistan over the years, including providing shelter and assistance to Afghan refugees, supporting the country during wars involving both Russia and the United States, and offering humanitarian aid during times of crisis.
“Our solidarity with Afghanistan has always been consistent, and our assistance to Afghan refugees is part of our shared history,” he added.
Despite these efforts, he said, Pakistan continues to face severe security challenges stemming from Afghan soil.
Since 2022, over thousands Pakistanis—including security personnel and civilians—have been killed in terrorist attacks linked to militants operating from Afghanistan.
Detailed intelligence about these groups has been shared repeatedly with the Afghan Taliban, he added, yet the militants have not taken effective action to stop cross-border attacks.
He highlighted Pakistan’s proactive efforts to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels, including negotiations in Qatar and Istanbul.
Pakistan offered substantial financial and logistical support to help relocate extremist elements from sensitive areas, even proposing a fund of 10 billion rupees.
However, the Afghan Taliban refused to provide guarantees preventing these groups from resettling in other areas, causing talks to collapse.
He also pointed to recent high-profile attacks, including suicide bombings targeting mosques and government installations in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, resulting in the deaths of security personnel and civilians.
He stressed that these incidents underscore the urgent need for Afghanistan to take responsibility for militant activities emanating from its territory.
“To prevent further bloodshed and protect our citizens and security personnel, Pakistan has launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, targeting only the safe havens and hideouts of terrorists,” he said. He stressed that the operation focuses exclusively on locations known to harbor militants and will continue until all designated targets are neutralized.
The main objective of the operation, he explained, is twofold: to eliminate terrorist strongholds and to send a clear message to the Afghan authorities that cross-border militancy must stop.
“Until Afghanistan provides concrete assurances and takes actionable steps to prevent the infiltration of terrorists into Pakistan, these operations will continue,” he said.