Senate of Pakistan Condemns Khuzdar Terror Attack, Calls for National Unity and Stronger Defence

The Senate of Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Khuzdar, which claimed the lives of six people, including four innocent schoolchildren, labelling the incident as “inhumane and barbaric.” Lawmakers across party lines called for national unity, stronger defence mechanisms, and renewed efforts to combat terrorism and external threats.

Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani Initiates Debate

The Senate session began with Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani moving a motion to suspend routine business to discuss the tragic attack. He described the incident as a direct assault on the country’s future and accused India of sponsoring terrorism through proxies, particularly after the failure of covert operations like “Message” and “Operation Sindoor.”

“When India fails militarily, it turns to terrorism, using proxies to strike soft targets like school buses,” Durrani said.

Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Denounces Hindutva and RSS Influence

Former caretaker PM Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar condemned the ideological expansion of Hindutva and RSS within Indian institutions. He cited historic incidents like the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Pulwama false flag operation as examples of state-sponsored violence, claiming that India’s secular image is a façade.

He alleged Indian support for terror groups like BLA, BRA, and TTP, saying: “Pakistan’s restrained and united response under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinforces the Two-Nation Theory.”

Senator Faisal Vawda Calls for Higher Defence Budget

Senator Faisal Vawda labelled the attack on schoolchildren as a cowardly act and demanded an increase in the defence budget and armed forces’ salaries.

“Without security, there is no sustainable progress. India must know that aggression will be met with full force,” he warned, praising Pakistan Army’s restraint under General Asim Munir.

Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui: “A Crime Against Humanity”

PML-N’s Senator Siddiqui expressed deep sorrow over the murder of innocent girls and said he was “at a loss for words.”

He emphasized that such acts are not struggles for rights but outright terrorism, stating: “If militants deny children their right to live and learn, what cause are they fighting for?”

He called out India for allegedly training and financing terror groups and urged Pakistanis to separate grievance from violence, urging peaceful political dialogue.

ANP’s Aimal Wali Khan Demands Accountability

Aimal Wali Khan of ANP criticized decades of inaction and blame-shifting, saying tragedies like Khuzdar will continue without full implementation of the National Action Plan.

“For 50 years, we’ve waited for the next attack. It’s time to act,” he said.

He also slammed internet inaccessibility in tribal areas and accused officials of misrepresenting ground realities in Waziristan, demanding respect for diverse identities and true devolution of power.

Senator Sherry Rehman: Terrorism Has a Heavy Cost

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman recalled the APS Peshawar massacre, saying Pakistan had paid a heavy price in blood fighting terrorism.

“We lost thousands of civilians and soldiers, but remain resilient. India-backed groups like the BLA and TTP are orchestrating these horrors,” she said, pointing to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case as proof of India’s involvement.

She clarified that her party supports political solutions, but emphasized: “There can be no dialogue with those who target schoolchildren.”

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Warns Indian Proxies

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called the Khuzdar attack “intolerable”, warning Indian proxies to back off and urging India to learn from Pakistan’s strong response.

He also acknowledged flaws in implementing the National Action Plan and proposed forming a special committee to create a long-term anti-terrorism strategy.

“We allowed 35,000 to 40,000 people entry under poor judgment, which has contributed to the current crisis,” he admitted.

Senate Refers Misconduct Case to Committee

In response to Aimal Wali Khan’s complaint about disrespectful conduct by a government official during a committee meeting, the Senate Chairman referred the matter to the relevant standing committee for investigation.