Raja Khaliq-uz-Zaman Ansari, spokesperson for the Government of Pakistan for Sindh, while addressing a joint press conference in Karachi on Saturday, alongside the chief whip of the Punjab Assembly, Rana Muhammad Arshad, stated that Pakistan is currently facing severe terrorism and serious economic challenges. In such sensitive circumstances, he emphasized, national unity is indispensable rather than political point-scoring.
Ansari said that the suicide attack inside a mosque in Islamabad was a cowardly, brutal and inhumane act, leaving the entire nation in mourning. Targeting a place of worship, he said, proves that terrorists recognise neither religion nor humanity.
He added that the Government of Pakistan has taken responsible decisions in respect of public sentiment. The Punjab government has cancelled all official Basant-related programmes, while the Sindh government has called off all music events to express solidarity with the martyrs and honour the public’s emotions.
Ansari further clarified
that at a time when the country is grappling with security threats, economic pressure and the ongoing fight against terrorism, a call for a strike by the opposition would not only be inappropriate but would also add to the difficulties faced by the public.
He urged the opposition to immediately withdraw the strike call in view of the prevailing situation and to demonstrate practical patriotism. Political differences, he said, have their place, but national security and public interest must come first.
On the occasion, Chief Whip Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Arshad said that in the fight against terrorism, the entire nation and all political forces must stand united. At such a delicate time, protests and strikes only strengthen the enemy’s agenda.
At the conclusion of the press conference, Ansari expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs, prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, and reaffirmed the resolve that the government, the armed forces of Pakistan and the nation would remain united until the menace of terrorism is completely eradicated.
