Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held Afghanistan and India responsible for the recent rise in terrorist attacks across Pakistan, warning that the country would deliver a “decisive and fitting” response to its enemies.
His comments followed a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad and a foiled attack in Wana that he said could have mirrored the 2014 Army Public School tragedy.
Addressing the National Assembly after the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the prime minister declared that the involvement of foreign elements in Pakistan’s recent unrest was now “an open secret.” He strongly condemned the Wana incident, describing it as a “heinous” act and revealing that security forces had killed several assailants, including one identified as an Afghan national. “These khawarij, among whom Afghans were also present, were all sent to hell. Thanks to our forces, every cadet, student, and teacher was safely rescued,” he said.
Recalling earlier remarks where he mentioned “Fitna al-Khawarij” and footprints of Afghanistan alongside Indian influence, the prime minister said India’s denials carried no weight in the face of tangible proof. “The terrorists who hijacked the Jaffer Express in Balochistan had links with both the TTP and BLA. We presented evidence before the world showing how these groups operated from Afghanistan and maintained communication with Indian supporters. No one challenged those facts,” he said.
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The PM argued that denying foreign involvement was “like calling day as night,” and cautioned those behind the violence that Pakistan would retaliate firmly. “We are fully aware of your designs. We have responded before and will respond again,” he warned.
The prime minister also spoke about Islamabad’s diplomatic engagements with the Taliban government, including talks held in Turkiye. He reiterated that Pakistan’s consistent demand has been for Kabul to act against militant outfits using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan.
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Renewing his call for dialogue, he urged the Taliban to end what he described as false assurances and take concrete action. He pointed out the timing of a recent cross-border attack, noting that “when Pakistan was attacked from Afghan soil, their foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in Delhi.” He lamented that after four decades of hospitality and shelter to Afghan refugees, “this is the return we are given.”
In a wider context, the premier also praised Pakistan’s military for its commendable performance during the May conflict with India, crediting the success for enhancing the country’s international standing and public support for awarding the army chief the title of field marshal.
