'State won't allow threats to sovereignty'

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the National Assembly that the state would take firm action against anyone found backing or enabling terrorist activity, while reiterating the government's commitment to peace.

Speaking on the floor of the lower house, Chaudhry said the government remained clear in its position against militancy. He said the BLA is an internationally designated terrorist organisation and added that it would be dealt with strictly.

The minister also referred to recent incidents and said the record needed correction. According to Chaudhry, Coast Guard personnel were martyred in a firing incident a week ago. He said that despite the casualties, the forces showed restraint and patience.

Government stance in National Assembly

During his remarks, the minister stressed that the state would not tolerate any challenge to its sovereignty. He said action would be taken against any person found supporting or facilitating terrorist activities.

Chaudhry also said the state remained committed to preserving peace. His comments in the National Assembly underscored the government's stated policy of acting firmly against militant groups while maintaining order.

On the issue of the BLA, the minister said the organisation has been internationally designated as a terrorist outfit. He told lawmakers that the group would be confronted firmly under the government's policy against militancy.

Reference to recent firing incident

Chaudhry further addressed what he described as the need to set the record straight regarding recent events. He said that a week earlier, Coast Guard personnel embraced martyrdom in a firing incident.

He added that even after suffering the loss, the forces responded with restraint and patience. The minister presented this as part of the government's account of the incident while speaking in the assembly.

The minister's statement combined the government's security position with its emphasis on maintaining peace, as he addressed lawmakers in Islamabad.