Karachi: In response to escalating tensions with India, the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Altaf Shakoor, has called for the government to institute compulsory military service for all Pakistani citizens. Shakoor emphasized the need for a robust military force to counter ongoing hostilities, urging swift legislative action during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Compulsory military service, or conscription, is a practice where citizens are required to serve in the military for a set duration. This approach is adopted by various nations to ensure a large, ready-to-deploy force during periods of war or significant security challenges.

Highlighting the global context, Shakoor pointed out that countries such as Switzerland, South Korea, and Israel have implemented mandatory military service. He argued that Pakistan should follow suit to bolster its defense capabilities.

Shakoor also addressed the presence of what he termed “fifth columnists” within Pakistan, suggesting that decisive measures are necessary to counter internal threats. He emphasized the importance of ensuring internal security alongside external defense efforts.

In a more provocative statement, Shakoor advocated for retaliatory actions against India, including the destruction of dams in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored the urgency of such actions, suggesting that they should be conducted without delay.

Furthermore, Shakoor called for regional allies, specifically China and Bangladesh, to resolve historical disputes with India. He lauded the Pakistani air force’s recent performance and urged other military branches to demonstrate similar prowess.

The PDP Chairman concluded by asserting the party’s commitment to stand with Pakistan’s armed forces, expressing readiness to defend the nation on all fronts.