Referring to the suicide bombing in a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif told the National Assembly that even in countries like India and Israel, worshippers were not killed during prayers, but unfortunately, that was not the case in Pakistan. The attack left over 100 people dead and numerous others injured.
"Worshippers weren't killed during prayers even in India or Israel but it happened in Pakistan," he said.
The defence minister called for unity in the fight against terrorism and urged the country to set its "house in order".
Also read |15th Constitutional amendment has strengthened democracy: Sheikh Hasina
Recalling past terrorism incidents from 2010 to 2017, Asif noted that the war on terrorism had started in Swat and was concluded during the previous tenure of the PML-N. He added that although there were differing opinions on the matter, no conclusive decision was taken.
Asif also pointed out that thousands of people had lost their jobs after their jobs after the influx of Afghan settlers into Pakistan, and this had led to protests in areas such as Swat and Wana. He emphasized the need for the same resolve and unity that was expressed in 2011-2012 to deal with this tragedy.
In his speech, the Defence Minister reflected on how the seeds of terrorism were sown in the country, dating back to the time when Pakistan offered its services to the United States during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. He noted that the agreement with the US lasted for eight to nine years, after which the US returned home, celebrating Russia's defeat.
Also read |Indian-origin MP asks Canadian govt to take temple attack 'seriously'
The prime minister and army chief of Pakistan visited Peshawar to receive a briefing on the attack, and India also offered its condolences to the families of the victims.
"But this is a tragedy where we require the same resolve and unity which was expressed in 2011-2012," the minister said.
"I will not talk for long but I will say briefly that at the start, we sowed the seeds for terrorism," he added.
