Kaira calls for stronger counterterrorism efforts, national consensus

LALAMUSA: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Chaudhry Qamar Zaman Kaira has expressed serious concerns over the escalating wave of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emanating from Afghanistan in the form of Taliban insurgency.

Speaking to media, Kaira emphasised that terrorism was not just an issue of security, but a deeply ingrained ideological challenge that Pakistan had struggled to counter effectively in the past. “We need strong nerves and an alternative narrative to fight this menace,” Kaira stated, lamenting the country’s failure to address the ideological roots of terrorism. He called for a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and prevent further destabilisation of the region.

Kaira also highlighted the persistent issues of deprivation in Balochistan, where successive governments had failed to alleviate economic and social grievances. He warned that under the guise of this deprivation, nationalist movements were gaining momentum, which could further complicate the already fragile situation in the province.

Turning to Sindh, Kaira pointed out emerging concerns regarding the distribution of water through canals, stressing that the PPP expected the current government to take these issues seriously and implement effective resolutions. Commenting on the recent national security meeting convened to address the deteriorating situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Kaira expressed disappointment over the absence of some opposition parties. He asserted that while their participation would have been ideal, the government remained committed to taking necessary measures regardless of political disagreements.

“Even if some opposition parties refuse to attend such crucial meetings, the government must act in the best interest of the country,” he said. However, he also acknowledged that a broad-based national consensus would be more effective in tackling these crises. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Kaira revealed, strongly supported the idea of political consensus and was open to the idea of convening another meeting to encourage broader participation. Kaira further stated that if the opposition remained reluctant, and if the government believed that the PPP could play a mediatory role, his party was willing to step forward. “If the Prime Minister asks Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to engage with the opposition, the PPP will take the initiative to pave the way for national unity and develop a strategic course of action based on its political experience,” he said.