The Senate on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning unprovoked aggression and hostile cross-border actions originating from the territory of Afghanistan, terming them violations of international law and established diplomatic norms.
The resolution was presented by Senator Sherry Rehman and adopted by the House in the presence of Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The resolution declared that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity or national security would be considered a direct affront to the nation’s dignity and would be met with a firm, proportionate and decisive response.
The House paid tribute to the bravery, professionalism and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement personnel for remaining vigilant in the defence of the country’s borders.
Recalling Pakistan’s decades-long engagement with Afghanistan, the Senate noted “ with profound regret that the country had borne significant economic, social and security burdens for over 40 years by hosting millions of Afghan nationals, extending humanitarian assistance, facilitating peace efforts and advocating for Afghanistan’s stability in international forums.
The resolution stated that these efforts were often undertaken at immense cost to Pakistan’s own national development and internal security.
Expressing disappointment over what it termed a lack of reciprocal goodwill, the House referred to hostile rhetoric, cross-border violations and the persistent presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil, describing the situation as a troubling pattern undermining bilateral understandings.
The Senate demanded that the Afghan Taliban regime immediately cease all hostile actions, prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorism or aggression against Pakistan, and honour international obligations and commitments to peaceful coexistence.
At the same time, the resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement, regional peace and mutually respectful relations, while cautioning that the country’s patience must not be misconstrued as weakness, nor its desire for stability mistaken for inability to respond decisively.
The House also called upon the international community to take serious note of the developments and urged the Afghan authorities to adhere to international norms and prevent further destabilisation of the region.
Concluding the resolution, the Senate declared that it stood united beyond political divides in defence of Pakistan’s sovereignty and supported all necessary measures undertaken by the state to safeguard its territorial integrity and national honour.
The resolution was adopted amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where security concerns have resurfaced in recent weeks.
