According to him, until all the four provinces are equal partners in development, it cannot be termed as development of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the National Assembly in Islamabad on Friday. Photo:X
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday rejected opposition claims that his government lacked legitimacy, telling the National Assembly that if the 2018 general elections were considered legitimate, then so should the current government.
“Carry out an investigation into the 2018 elections. If there was no manipulation, if the ballot boxes were not stuffed, if people were not forcibly brought to Islamabad and if no threats were issued, then let’s take a look at the 2018 elections. If it was a legitimate government, then this is also a legitimate government. And if you are so keen to investigate, then let’s start from 2018. If the case is opened, it will go very far,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz while addressing the House. during the debate on the 2026-27 finance bill.
Prime Minister Shehbaz responded to remarks by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had earlier called the government “illegal” and accused it of undermining democratic institutions. Achakzai had delivered a wide-ranging speech criticizing the government’s handling of political and constitutional affairs.
Responding to criticism, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the day was not meant to raise controversial political issues and termed several of Achakzai’s claims as contrary to facts. He rejected suggestions that development was continuing at the expense of smaller provinces.
“I have always maintained that if Punjab progresses alone, it is not progress for Pakistan. If Sindh progresses alone, it is not progress for Pakistan,” he said. “As long as the four provinces are not equal partners in development, we cannot talk about the development of Pakistan. »
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The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts, saying an agreement between Iran and the United States was reached in Switzerland through talks hosted by Pakistan. He said a ceasefire was now in place between the two countries and technical negotiations would continue over the next 60 days under the Memorandum of Understanding, with the aim of reaching a permanent agreement.
“Pakistan has worked with sincerity and dedication to help bridge the gap between Iran and the United States,” he said.
The prime minister said negotiations continued day and night before a joint statement was adopted by all parties. “Today, by the grace of God, not only has a ceasefire been reached between Iran and the United States, but technical negotiations will continue over the next 60 days,” he told lawmakers.
“There will be discussions on nuclear facilities, ballistic missiles and frozen assets, and we hope that within 60 days the memorandum of understanding will result in a lasting agreement that will contribute to world peace.”
Congratulating the parliamentarians and the public, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan’s role in the talks had won international recognition. “Pakistan’s contribution to this process is not only historic but also a source of pride for the nation,” he said.
He claimed that leading international newspapers had highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. “This positive discourse about Pakistan could not have seen the light of day even if billions of rupees had been spent on advertising campaigns,” he added.
He added that Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian would arrive in Pakistan later today and discussions would focus on strengthening bilateral relations.
Achakzai, while speaking, said the government’s tenure was approaching two and a half years and “it was time to change the tone”. He criticized the conduct of the Speaker of the House, saying that despite his experience, he failed to respect the Constitution and the law and “expelled 14 colleagues from the Assembly through procedural maneuvers.”
He said the prisoners in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore were all above 70 years of age. “Have a little fear of God. You have set a record. You have sentenced five people to a total of 286 years in prison. You have also sentenced Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment. You have supported undemocratic governments by undermining the Constitution.”
Achakzai said, “My brother said that Pakistan exists, therefore we exist. Shahbaz rightly said that Pakistan is not in the sky. Pakistan means Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Why don’t you consider KP as part of Pakistan? We all took an oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have clipped the wings of the judiciary by your votes.”
The opposition leader urged the government to engage with political stakeholders across the country, particularly in Balochistan, and said Parliament should serve as the central source of democratic authority.
