Pakistan was facing a “more perilous period” as the country has lost the gains achieved in the fight against terrorism, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Thursday, a day after the security forces concluded the rescue operation after the Jaffar Express tragedy.

In a speech in the National Assembly, he commended the security forces for preventing a “major” disaster.

The hijacking occurred on Tuesday when the train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with 440 passengers on board, was ambushed by terrorists from the banned group. The assailants fired on the train and took the passengers hostage, leading security forces to launch a two-day operation to secure their release.

On Wednesday evening, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced the successful conclusion of the operation, stating that 33 terrorists involved in the attack had been neutralised. He also reported that 21 passengers and four personnel from the Frontier Corps were martyred during the incident, but assured that no hostages were harmed during the final rescue operation.

The PPP chairman recalled his personal experience, sharing that he was just one year old when there was an attempt to kidnap him. He added that his mother ensured his safety in London, but ultimately, she was assassinated.

Bilawal noted that the rise in terrorism accelerated after the assassination of his mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

He highlighted his party’s opposition towards terrorism, whether religious or separatist. The scion of Bhutto dynasty reminded the assembly that the PPP, during its rule, provided rights to the people of Balochistan and stood firm against “those who denied” the Constitution from Waziristan to Balochistan.

He mentioned the sacrifices made by Pakistan in combating terrorism. “Pakistan has made significant strides in eradicating terrorism, thanks to the unity within the political landscape when the National Action Plan was created,” he said.

Bilawal asserted that terrorists have no ideology or political motives; their “only goal is to kill innocent people” and emphasised that “religious or ethnic terrorists do not truly represent their claimed causes and only seek to spread fear.”

He called for a “united front against terrorism,” stating that condemnation alone was “insufficient.”

“Concrete actions are needed to confront the reality of terrorism, which is affecting communities from Parachinar to Balochistan.”

He praised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for recognising the efforts of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and urged both provincial leaders to receive “unwavering support” from the federal government in their fight against terrorism.

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Bilawal recalled that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif introduced the first National Action Plan and “questioned why the incumbent Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, cannot create a new one.”

Moreover, he stated: “The people of Balochistan are demanding their rights and that military operations are necessary to combat terrorists.”

Bilawal added: “Pakistan has lost the gains achieved in the fight against terrorism and is now facing a more perilous period.”

He pointed out that the “weaknesses” in the country’s approach are being exploited by terrorists and international adversaries, leading to a “series of dangerous incidents.” The PPP chairman reiterated the need for “serious and decisive measures” to eliminate terrorism for the sake of peace and stability in the country.