Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has labeled the August 26 terrorist attacks in Balochistan as attempts to disrupt the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for October in Pakistan. He stated that the government is aware of the groups behind these attacks and is committed to countering anti-state forces.
During a Senate discussion, Naqvi revealed links to multiple terrorist organizations involved in the coordinated attacks and urged unity against those challenging the state. He emphasized that while the government respects all citizens who accept the state, those who rebel will face severe consequences.
Naqvi also reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had allocated significant funds for counter-terrorism and local issues in Balochistan. He mentioned plans to deploy additional officials to the province and clarified that no major operations are currently underway.
In response, opposition leader Shibli Faraz criticized Naqvi’s characterization of the Balochistan situation as oversimplified. Senators Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan and Bilal Ahmad Mandokhail called for greater engagement and political solutions, while Faraz suggested that the government’s position could change soon.
An unusual exchange occurred when PTI Senator Dost Mohammad Khan suggested releasing Imran Khan to combat terrorism, leading to a correction by PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui. This comment created a moment of tension among senators.
