*Islamabad:* Senator Siddiqui on Monday called upon parliamentarians tosupport anti-terrorism legislation, stressing that the country can nolonger afford complacency in the face of militant violence.
“We do not want to see extremists moving freely while innocent citizens areslaughtered across provinces—whether on passenger trains like the JaffarExpress or in targeted attacks. Such violence undermines our federation anderodes public trust in the state,” he said while addressing the Upper House.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices, Siddiqui noted that nearly *100,000lives have been lost* to terrorism. “We must either surrender to militantsor legislate to resist them. Such laws can prevent crime and also curbforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions,” he emphasized.
The senator appealed to lawmakers to approach the legislation in goodfaith, rather than viewing it as a tool to suppress political opposition.
Read Top Stories
He underlined the need for *transparent communication* between thegovernment, opposition, and the public, stressing that media should also bekept fully informed about the purpose and scope of such legal measures.
Siddiqui reiterated that consensus on anti-terrorism laws would strengthenstate institutions, restore public trust, and send a clear message of unityagainst militancy.