NA unites to honour fallen soldiers | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said on Thursday that Pakistan would continue its fight against terrorism until the last terrorist was eliminated.

Speaking in the National Assembly, he expressed solidarity with the Armed Forces and paid tribute to the officers and soldiers who laid down their lives in recent operations.

He said the House had offered Fateha for the martyrs at the start of the session.

He informed the House that the federal cabinet, in a unanimous decision, had also honoured the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and saluted those who gave their lives for the nation. “The sacrifices of these martyrs are immortal. The courage and resolve of every bereaved family are everlasting,” he said, adding that the families drew solace and pride from their loved ones’ devotion to the country.

Dr Tariq Fazal said it was decided to suspend the National Assembly’s routine proceedings to express solidarity with the Pakistan Armed Forces and other security agencies, and to send a clear message of unity. “In the war against terrorism, we stand united with our Armed Forces. We are of one voice and one spirit,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to fulfil their responsibilities in this struggle and said Pakistan wished to convey to neighbouring countries that it stood as a champion of peace and always advocated peaceful coexistence.

Later, the Minister moved a motion to suspend the routine proceedings of the House, which the members unanimously approved.

Former speaker Asad Qaiser paid rich tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in various operations for the country’s security and stability.

He said that the PTI highly valued the sacrifices of those who had embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, both within the country and along its borders.

Qaiser emphasized that the PTI firmly believed in strengthening national institutions to ensure Pakistan’s progress and stability. “We consider this country our own, and the Armed Forces are ours. Therefore, we salute their sacrifices and pay them our deepest respects,” he said.

He reaffirmed that PTI stood united with the security forces in their mission to defend the homeland and uphold national integrity. Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Amir Dogar said that the entire House stood united in denouncing terrorism and expressing solidarity with the armed forces.

He particularly paid tribute to the 11 valiant soldiers who were martyred in the Orakzai district. Dogar said that over the past 25 years, Pakistan — particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan — had suffered immensely from terrorism, with nearly 90,000 people, including soldiers, police personnel, and civilians, having lost their lives.

MNA Shahida Akhtar said Pakistan was facing multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need to strengthen the state and its institutions instead of engaging in political rivalries or personal agendas.

She praised the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, saying that JUI had always stood by the martyrs and would continue to support the defenders of the nation.