ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday stressed the need for national unity in the fight against terrorism, as the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the deadly suicide attack at an imambargah in Islamabad.
Read More: Senate demands judicial probe into Islamabad bombing
Speaking on the floor of the lower house, Asif said political differences were a normal feature of democratic systems, but issues related to national sovereignty, territorial integrity and state security must remain above partisan divisions. He urged lawmakers to resolve internal disputes through dialogue and constitutional means.
His remarks came days after a suicide attack at an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers, which claimed at least 33 lives and left dozens injured. According to officials, the attacker opened fire before detonating himself at the entrance of the place of worship.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, moved by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, to suspend today’s business to move a Resolution condemning the cowardly and inhumane terrorist attack on Imam Bargah, Khadija Tul Kubra during jumma prayer… pic.twitter.com/zB2RECFJIA
— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) February 9, 2026
The defence minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, while criticising what he described as the exploitation of martyrs’ sacrifices for political purposes. He termed such actions morally unacceptable.
Asif alleged that India, after what he described as its defeat in a brief conflict in May last year, lacked the courage to engage Pakistan directly and was instead pursuing a proxy war through terrorism. He warned that certain internal elements were also being used to advance external agendas.
Referring to Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, he said Islamabad had repeatedly raised concerns over terrorist sanctuaries and had engaged the Afghan Taliban regime through various dialogue forums, including Doha, Riyadh and Jeddah. While Afghan authorities acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns, he said they failed to provide guarantees to prevent militants from regrouping and returning.
Read More: NA offers Fateha for victims of recent terror attacks
During the session, the National Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the attack a direct assault on the Constitution, religious freedom, national security and interfaith harmony. The House demanded that the attacker and all facilitators, planners and sponsors be brought to justice and called for a comprehensive security plan to protect places of worship. It also urged compensation for victims’ families and proper medical care for the injured.