Addressing separate press conferences in Islamabad and Lahore, Atta Tarar stated that Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan, and investigations have confirmed that the suicide bomber had travelled to Afghanistan, where he received terrorist training.
He emphasized that terrorists have no religion or faith and that their only ideology is to spread fear and chaos.
The information minister said that targeting worshippers during Friday prayers is an attack on humanity itself, and such perpetrators will not be spared.
He added that the government is taking robust and effective measures to ensure the security of mosques, imambargahs, and other religious places.
Atta Tarar said significant progress has been made in the investigation of the Islamabad incident, and facilitators and handlers involved in the attack have been identified and will be brought to justice.
He noted that terrorists have lost the ability to strike hard targets and are now focusing on soft targets in suburban and remote areas, but security agencies remain fully alert, and further strict measures are underway.
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Recalling past counterterrorism efforts, he said that suicide attacks had ended and peace was restored following Operations Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad.
However, he claimed that due to a particular mindset, terrorists were given space again, the consequences of which are now being borne by the Pakistani people.
According to him, this mindset and the resulting policies are at the core of the resurgence of terrorism, for which he held PTI responsible.
The federal minister further said Pakistan’s concerns over terrorism originating from Afghan soil are clear and well-founded.
He added that terrorists are shedding Muslim blood for petty gains, but their noose is tightening. He said the prime minister has issued complete instructions to the interior minister to further strengthen counterterrorism measures.
Atta Tarar reiterated that there is no room for sectarianism, hatred, or extremism in the country. Through the Paigham-e-Aman Committee, he said, representatives of all schools of thought are being engaged to counter extremist ideologies and promote national harmony. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism from its roots.
