Bilawal urges new counterterrorism plan as tensions rise in NA over Jaffar Express attack

Pakistan’s National Assembly witnessed a heated session on Wednesday as government and opposition members clashed over the country’s security policies following the Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged lawmakers to set aside political differences and adopt a unified strategy against terrorism.

“We are facing a more dangerous situation than before. If a National Action Plan (NAP) could be made during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, it can be made now,” Bilawal said, warning that instability in Balochistan could spread across the country.

He pledged support for the provincial governments in their counterterrorism efforts and called on all political parties to reach a consensus.

Tensions in the House

The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, quickly turned contentious.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of misrepresenting the Jaffar Express attack on social media. PTI lawmakers erupted in protest, prompting a verbal slugfest between both sides.

Asif doubled down, accusing PTI of benefiting from past military support. “You used to call Bajwa your father,” he said, referring to former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. PTI members shouted back, calling the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) a creation of military rule under General Zia-ul-Haq.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar condemned the attack and paid tribute to security forces but criticized what he called unfair treatment of opposition voices in the Assembly.

Former Speaker Asad Qaiser demanded Khawaja Asif’s resignation over security failures, while PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat delivered a speech that drew applause from both government and opposition members.

Marwat condemned the Jaffar Express attack but also took aim at past and present military policies.

“Former Army Chief General Bajwa made a deal on Kashmir and stabbed us in the back. How long will generals remain above accountability?” he said.

He also raised concerns about political repression, mentioning jailed leaders and the treatment of protestors.

Balochistan’s unrest takes center stage

Lawmakers from Balochistan expressed frustration, arguing that economic deprivation fuels unrest in the region.

National Party’s Pauline Baloch voiced dissatisfaction with the parliamentary system, saying she would consider resigning.

Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Achakzai blamed past policies for the rise in terrorism.

“We interfered in Afghanistan and supported terrorism for America’s interests. Now we must collectively repent,” he said.

Censorship

During the session, Pakistan’s Parliament TV and social media platforms censored opposition speeches, blocking or deleting remarks made by the lawmakers.

When opposition leaders Sher Afzal Marwat and Mahmood Khan Achakzai spoke about the Jaffer Express hijacking, their speeches were not broadcast on national media or Parliament TV, which is managed by state-run Pakistan Television (PTV).

Their remarks were also censored from live broadcasts on YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

Despite repeated complaints from opposition members, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq refused to intervene.

He defended the policy, saying the censorship prevents the spread of an "anti-state narrative."

"I am not in favor of broadcasting anti-Pakistan, anti-state speeches, nor can I allow any such content to be aired," Sadiq said.

The National Assembly Media Department has so far declined to comment on the issue.

Resolution passed condemning attack

Despite the fiery exchanges, the Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Jaffar Express hijacking.

The resolution, presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, condemned all acts of terrorism threatening national security.

“The nation resolves to take all possible measures to eliminate terrorism and will not allow any group or individual to disrupt peace and sovereignty,” the resolution stated.

It also paid tribute to security forces for their sacrifices in countering the attack.

The session ended with a prayer for those killed in the Jaffar Express attack before the Assembly was adjourned until 11:30 a.m. the next day.