Interior Minister Denies New KP Military Operations

National Action Plan Counter-Terrorism Efforts to Continue Uninterrupted

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry firmly stated on Thursday that no new military operations would be launched in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He assured lawmakers that ongoing counter-terrorism initiatives under the National Action Plan (NAP) would proceed without pause.

Parliamentary Debate on Security and Protests

Addressing concerns raised by Asad Qaiser of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Shazia Marri of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the National Assembly, Chaudhry affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism. “NAP operations will not be stopped by anyone, no matter who they are,” he declared.

The minister also criticized the PTI’s past actions, questioning their role in the return of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He directly asked which chief minister had expressed reluctance to fight, fearing consequences similar to the PPP or Awami National Party (ANP).

Chaudhry defended the security measures enacted during the August 5 protests, including the closure of Parliament gates. He cited the enforcement of Section 144 and a large assembly near D-Chowk as justifications. “The Parliament gates were shut for incoming crowds, not outgoing MNAs, who exited without obstruction,” he clarified.

He downplayed the scale of the PTI protests, stating that fewer than 100 people gathered in Islamabad and were briefly detained. Similarly, in Punjab, only 94 individuals were detained out of a population of 130 million. Most demonstrations, he noted, were symbolic and quickly dispersed.

The minister rejected the PTI’s narrative regarding the May 9 incidents, emphasizing that legal accountability applies regardless of popularity. He asserted that those who attacked state symbols did so for political gain and were now facing legal repercussions. “Those who set fire to monuments were doing it for future election tickets, and now they’re facing the consequences,” he stated.

قومی اسمبلی اجلاس کے دوران رکن قومی اسمبلی محترمہ شازیہ مری کا اربعین جانے والے زائرین کو بس کے ذریعے سفر پر عائد پابندی کے باعث درپیش مشکلات پر اظہارِ خیال۔#NASession @ShaziaAttaMarri pic.twitter.com/sWLssFYzPe

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 7, 2025

Pilgrims’ Travel Concerns Addressed

During the session, Shazia Marri highlighted the difficulties faced by pilgrims traveling by road to participate in the Arbaeen walk. She expressed concern that a ban on land travel had left approximately 200,000 pilgrims stranded, unable to afford airfare.

Responding to these concerns, Chaudhry confirmed that land travel via Iran was suspended due to regional tensions arising from the Israel-Iran conflict. He indicated that the interior ministry and provincial authorities were in discussions with protesting pilgrims and leaders of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).

The minister reported that delegations had met with ministry officials, and further discussions were held with MWM leader Engineer Raja Nasir Abbas. He stated his willingness to travel to Karachi for continued negotiations and confirmed that Sindh and Balochistan governments were cooperating, with the Sindh governor in close contact with the protesters.

Chaudhry also shared that the Prime Minister had directed the Defence Minister to facilitate pilgrims through air travel. Efforts include increasing flight availability, engaging foreign carriers like Iranian and Iraqi airlines, and exploring options for reduced fares.

The House discussed and passed The Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025.
The Bill was moved by Minister of State for Interior & Narcotics Control Mr. Talal Chaudhry on behalf of Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control.#NASession pic.twitter.com/BZxENUsdgX

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 7, 2025

Land Port Authority Bill Passed

In a separate development, the National Assembly unanimously passed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025, after a clause-by-clause amendment process proposed by Syed Naveed Qamar of the PPP. The amendments aimed to improve the movement of goods and people across borders.

Qamar noted the PPP’s reservations on several clauses, seeking to transform border crossings into welcoming points that encourage rather than deter cross-border traffic. Following deliberations, Chaudhry presented the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, leading to its successful passage.