• Unanimous resolution demands intelligence, security upgrade in key areas
• Opposition slams Basant celebrations amid nationwide grief; demands ex-military chiefs answer for Taliban return
• Pandemonium erupts as parties trade blame over terrorism policies
ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday strongly condemned the recent suicide attack in Tarlai, demanding a thorough, transparent and time-bound investigation to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of terrorism to justice.
Through a unanimously adopted resolution moved by PPP Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, the House urged the strengthening of intelligence coordination and security arrangements, especially in the federal capital and at sensitive locations.
The resolution condemned the suicide attack on civilians, stating it violates Islamic values, humanity, and Constitution. It expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The House paid tribute to law-enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and medical personnel for their prompt professional response. It also suspended its routine to discuss the tragedy, affirming national unity amidst a blackout on TV and the Senate’s YouTube stream.
However, the debate turned heated as opposition criticised Lahore’s Basant celebrations following major terror attacks in Balochistan and Islamabad.
With incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan facing accusations regarding the resettlement of the Taliban in Pakistan, Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called for a joint session of parliament. He demanded that the former military and spying agency chiefs be summoned to explain who brought the Taliban back to the country.
Senator Abbas regretted the dances performed as part of Basant celebrations in Lahore while dozens of families mourned. “This cold-heartedness would only benefit the terrorists,” Abbas remarked.
He claimed timely hospital transfers could have saved lives. He argued that a collective funeral attended by the prime minister would have sent a necessary message of national unity.
PTI’s parliamentary leader Barrister Syed Ali Zafar said the Tarlai tragedy had brought tears to the eyes of every citizen, reminding the House that the time for politics and excuses had already passed.
“This is the time for a decisive action,” he asserted, adding that Pakistan comes first.
Barrister Zafar emphasised that unity needs public trust, which the government undermines by opposing Imran Khan. He urged dismantling terrorist networks completely, not just isolated arrests.
“If Daesh or any other terrorist organisation is operating within the country, it must be dealt with immediately and decisively,” he said.
Senator Sherry Rehman criticised federal ministers’ absence during the debate and praised the armed forces’ sacrifices, while condemning the opposition for setting conditions during a national crisis.
“What our army has done against terrorists, no other army in the world has done,” she said. Ms Rehman criticised Imran Khan for alleged sympathies with the Taliban, noting there was a reason many referred to him as “Taliban Khan”.
Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar took strong exception to criticism directed at the armed forces.
“All of us politicians and parties have made mistakes. Our security agencies are fighting a war against terrorism. We have to stand firmly with our institutions,” the law minister said.
However, JUI-Fazl Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman argued the nation could not be satisfied by simply blaming a neighbouring country. “We trained the youth under an institution and today we are calling them wrong,” he regretted. He contended that a policy distinction persisted where those who commit terrorism on institutional orders are considered “good Taliban”, while those who do not are labelled “bad Taliban”.
Framing of cultural event
Rejecting criticism of the cultural festival, PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid framed the event as an act of defiance. “The terrorists want to make us mourn all the time but we will give a message to the terrorists, we will celebrate and destroy you,” he said.
However, the session ended in pandemonium when PML-N’s Abid Sher Ali chided the PTI over the May 9 incidents, leading to intense verbal clashes.
Lawmakers from both sides blamed one another for the ongoing menace of terrorism.
Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2026
