Lahore: Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, in an important press conference today, expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express. She stated that this press conference is not about economic indicators, development projects, or government performance but about this terrorist attack and national security, which is a matter of grave concern for every Pakistani. She informed that the Pakistan Army responded swiftly and neutralized the terrorists within 36 hours, a feat that has made the entire nation proud of its security forces. Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs, she affirmed that the entire nation shares their grief and prays for the departed souls to be granted a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the urgent need for national unity in the fight against terrorism. She recalled that the previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had successfully united all political parties on a single platform to establish a national narrative aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the country. Criticizing certain political parties, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), she stated that they have always fueled divisions on matters of national security and failed to demonstrate unity in this war. She noted that PTI representatives repeatedly avoided attending National Security Parliamentary Committee meetings, despite the fact that national security is not an issue of a single party but of the entire nation.

Marriyum Aurangzeb pointed out that history has shown a rise in terrorist activities whenever the country is on the path of development. She strongly criticized Imran Khan, stating that during his tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), he failed to formulate an effective counterterrorism strategy and instead used every terrorist incident for political gains. She accused the Chief Minister of KP of being a mere puppet of Imran Khan, lacking independent decision-making power.

This, she argued, is why a "Provincial Security Plan" has yet to be formulated, despite KP being the province most affected by terrorism. Marriyum Aurangzeb reaffirmed that the current government is taking all necessary steps to eliminate terrorism and that all provinces must implement strict measures in accordance with the national security policy. She recalled that the PML-N government played a leading role in the fight against terrorism from 2013 to 2018 and assured that, once again, the government and military leadership would take firm action against terrorists. She underscored that terrorists have no religion or ideology? They are simply enemies of the state and must be dealt with firmly. She also conveyed Nawaz Sharif? message, emphasizing that all political differences must be set aside to safeguard national integrity. Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized PTI for its continued disengagement from national issues and its reliance on false narratives to mislead the public. She stated: "These individ uals incite incidents like May 9, spread propaganda against security forces, but when it comes to national security and development, they always retreat."

She further added that whenever a terrorist attack occurs, PTI shifts the blame onto the government while failing to build any infrastructure to combat terrorism in KP. In conclusion, Maryam Aurangzeb urged the public to support the government and security forces in the fight against terrorism and to remain vigilant against false propaganda. She stated: "Pakistan? security is our collective responsibility, and every citizen must play their role in preserving it." She also called upon the media to act responsibly, as it did in 2014, and to expose elements that strengthen terrorist narratives. "It is time for all to realize that national security and development require unity. The fight against terrorism must remain above politics?t is a national duty that demands collective action from all political parties, institutions, and the public."