The National Assembly on Monday adopted a unanimous resolution to condemn the terrorist attack on foreign mountaineers in Gilgit-Baltistan and called upon the government to quickly devise a national security policy to deal with terrorism. The resolution stated: "The House strongly condemns the ghastly and shocking terror attack near the Base Camp of Nanga Parbat in Gilgit-Baltistan, in which tourists/climbers from China, Ukraine and Pakistan were attacked and killed by terrorists.
This is clearly a deliberate attempt to undermine Pakistan's image internationally...to portray it as an unsafe place for foreign tourists.
"This House expresses its deepest sympathies with the families of the victims. It appreciates the action already taken by the Minister of Interior in issuing necessary instructions to the law-enforcing and security forces, and conveying condolences to the Ambassadors of the countries concerned.
"This House calls upon the government to immediately take all necessary measures against these anti-state elements and to ensure greater coordination among security and intelligence set ups."
At the start of the session, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the House about the incident and subsequent response of the government, saying that the Chief Secretary and Inspector-General (IG) of Gilgit-Baltistan police had been suspended.
The Minister said that the terrorist attack on foreigners was meant to give a message that Pakistan was not a safe country for tourists. Chaudhry Nisar said that the country "is in a state of war and dismal security system was unable to deal (with) the menace".
He said that one of the Chinese climbers had survived while nine foreigners and two Pakistanis had been killed in the terrorist attack in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The foreigners, he said, included three Chinese and six Ukrainians climbers. He stated that the incident took place near the base camp of Nanga Parbat and initial reports indicated that terrorists were wearing uniforms of Gilgit Scouts and had abducted two local guides.
He said that one local guide was killed while another was taken into custody for questioning.
He said that he spoke with Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad and was trying to get in touch with Russian and Ukrainian Ambassadors. Chaudhry Nisar also lauded the quick response by the military security agencies and their cooperation with the civil security agencies. The Interior Minister proposed the House to convene a separate National Assembly session on security matters to formulate a comprehensive security policy to confront the challenges.
He said that investigations were being carried out in all such incidents that happened recently and reports would soon be submitted in the National Assembly.
The Minister said that national security issues were being discussed with the Chief of Army Staff and a policy would be brought before the people after the approval of the Prime Minister.
Chaudhry Nisar said that there was a lack of coordination and lack of responsibility among various security institutions, but there was "no doubt that they are brave sons of soil".
The Minister said that he had obtained the Prime Minister's approval for paying a compensation of Rs 3 million to each family of civilian armed forces' personnel killed in terrorist attacks.
He said that the state should take greater responsibility by looking after the welfare of the children of those who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.
He said that no one would be allowed entry into the Red Zone without checking.
Leader of the Opposition Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah said that terrorists want to isolate Pakistan and vowed that the opposition would stand united against terrorism.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi of PTI condemned the attack and said that it was unthinkable that places such as the Ziarat Residency and Gigit-Baltistan would be targeted. He said that the country needed to change the political mindset to eliminate terrorism. He said that the government should give priority to devising the national security policy. Otherwise, he said, budget targets would remain unachievable.
He said that his party would support the government on this national issue.
Qureshi said that the incident could affect Pakistan's relations with China and Russia. He said the transition phase in Afghanistan in terms of Nato withdrawal and Presidential elections had started affecting Pakistan. He said Pakistan also needed to focus on this aspect of the national security policy and change its paradigm.
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