ISLAMABAD: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Tuesday demanded from the prime minister to sack officers from the security and intelligence agencies if they fail to trace out the elements involved in the deadly Quetta attack.

“Nawaz Sharif should sack the concerned officers of the intelligence and security agencies if they are unable to trace-out the executors and masterminds of the attack in Quetta within a specified time,” said Achakzai while taking part in the National Assembly debate on Monday’s blast.

The PkMAP chief termed the Quetta attack an intelligence failure and demanded to fix the responsibility of the blast.

He asked the premier to "act as the real chief executive and take bold decisions".

Read: Young DawnNews cameraman killed in Quetta blast

“Nawaz Sharif is chief executive of the country. He must order the security and intelligence agencies to hold an inquiry into the Quetta attack,” said Achakzai.

Achakzai alleged that intelligence agencies are busy in gathering information about the activities of politicians while terrorists are free to move anywhere.

'Avoid fighting proxy wars of others'

The PkMAP chief said during the debate in the National Assembly that Pakistan should avoid fighting proxy wars of others on its soil.

Achakzai was of the view that the government should look into the failure of its own departments instead of blaming India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for terrorists attack in the country.

Other members of the NA from both the treasury and opposition benches also questioned the efficiency and performance of intelligence agencies.

Also read: Tracking the footprints: All roads lead to South Punjab

Members of the house said terrorists are carrying out attacks in all parts of the country while the security agencies have failed in their duty.

Carnage in Quetta

At least 70 people were killed and over 100 injured after a suicide bomber struck the emergency ward of Quetta's Civil Hospital, where scores of people had gathered to mourn the death of Balochistan Bar Association (BBA) president Bilal Anwar Kasi in a gun attack earlier in the day.

Witnesses present at the hospital at the time of the attack recall complete chaos at the site, with bodies lying on the ground amidst pools of blood and debris.

The attack was claimed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan splinter group Jamaatul Ahrar and the militant Islamic State group, but Balochistan Chief Minster Sanaullah Zehri hinted at the involvement of Indian spy agency RAW.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...