Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that strict action would be taken against anyone found supporting or facilitating terrorist activities, adding that the state remained committed to maintaining peace and would not tolerate any threat to its sovereignty.
Responding to a point of order in the National Assembly on Friday, he reaffirmed the government’s stance against militancy, stating that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was an internationally designated terrorist organization and would be dealt with firmly.
He corrected the record regarding recent incidents involving the Coast Guard reported in the media, saying that a week ago, Coast Guard personnel were martyred in a firing incident. Despite the loss, he added, the forces exercised restraint and patience.
He further clarified that the firing was initiated by terrorists, and the Coast Guard responded accordingly.
Addressing concerns raised by lawmakers, he said that he would personally coordinate with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to arrange a formal meeting with lawmakers from the province. He added that if the Chief Minister was in Islamabad, he would have to accompany the delegation to facilitate dialogue.
Referring to discussions about a possible meeting with the PTI founder, he said the matter should not be viewed purely as a political issue but as one governed by legal and administrative procedures.
On the PTI founder’s health, particularly reported eye-related issues, the minister said it remains the government’s responsibility to ensure all necessary medical care for individuals in custody, adding that this responsibility has been fulfilled in the past and will continue in the future.
Responding to concerns about emergency hospital transfers, he said that in any medical emergency, it is standard procedure to shift the patient to a hospital immediately, regardless of time or circumstances, rejecting claims of delay and asserting that timely medical assistance was provided whenever required.
He further said that while the PTI founder remains in custody, the jail administration was responsible for providing healthcare, food and other basic facilities and maintained that all such obligations were being properly fulfilled without negligence.
