Islamabad, August 7, 2025: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday dismissed the possibility of any new military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that ongoing counter-terrorism measures under the National Action Plan (NAP) will continue without interruption.
Addressing the National Assembly during a discussion that extended beyond the points of order raised by MNAs Asad Qaiser and Shazia Marri, Talal Chaudhry made it clear that no individual or group would be allowed to obstruct NAP-related operations.
“Let me be clear: NAP operations will not be stopped by anyone, no matter who they are,” he stated firmly.
In a pointed critique of the PTI, the minister questioned the party’s past dealings with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), asking:
“Who brought back the TTP? Which chief minister said, ‘We won’t fight or we’ll end up like PPP or ANP’?”
Commenting on PTI’s August 5 Youm-e-Istehsal protest, Chaudhry defended the closure of the Parliament’s entry gates, citing the imposition of Section 144 and a large rally near D-Chowk. He clarified that the gates were shut to control crowd entry, not to restrict MNAs from exiting the building.
“No MNA was prevented from leaving. The closure was a security measure due to the situation outside,” he explained.
He further said that the protest saw a minimal turnout, with fewer than 100 participants in Islamabad, and no MNAs were arrested. In Punjab, only 94 people were detained from a population of 130 million, and most demonstrations were symbolic, dispersing quickly.
Dismissing PTI’s recurring defense of the May 9 violence, Talal Chaudhry said:
“Popularity doesn’t grant immunity from the law. Those who attacked state symbols did so for personal political gain—and now they’re facing the legal consequences.”
He noted that courts in Punjab and Peshawar are already issuing verdicts in relevant cases:
“Those who set fire to national monuments did so chasing future election tickets. Now the courts are delivering justice—what more fairness do you want?”
Speaking on the suspension of land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims via Iran, Talal Chaudhry attributed the decision to ongoing regional tensions following the Israel-Iran conflict. He said the Interior Ministry, along with Sindh and Balochistan governments, is actively engaged in resolving the issue.
“I’m ready to visit Karachi for further negotiations,” he said, adding that the Sindh governor is in close contact with the protesting pilgrims and MWM leadership.
He confirmed that the Prime Minister had instructed the Defence Minister to ensure pilgrims are facilitated through air travel, with increased flights and engagement with Iranian and Iraqi carriers to boost capacity. Discussions are also underway to reduce airfare costs, he added.
