PM Shehbaz extends olive branch to Afghanistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered a conditional offer to the Afghan Taliban regime, urging it to stop supporting terrorism so that peace can prevail in the region. “Come, let us sit down with sincere hearts and put an end to terrorism. We will fully support you in establishing peace in the region, so that progress and prosperity can follow,” he said during the approval session of the 27th Amendment on Wednesday.

He further said that negotiations were held with the Afghan Taliban regime in Doha and Istanbul, in which Pakistan participated. “We reiterated our long-standing demand to prevent TTP and BLA from operating on its soil.” He went on to say: “Our forces face daily battles, with martyrs like Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Private sacrificing their lives. Our martyrs say goodbye to their children and protect millions of other children from the orphanage.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Pakistan wanted peace and hoped that Afghanistan would accept this and join hands with Pakistan to achieve equal peace. “We know what is best for Pakistan and Afghanistan, and if the terrorists are not controlled after all false and true promises, we will not tolerate it in any form,” he said.

He added: “For forty years, we welcomed millions of Afghan refugees and never let them feel like strangers. We always treated them as brothers and guests, and this process continued until they returned to their homes. Today the world is witnessing the price we pay for forty years of hospitality.

“Foreign involvement evident in recent terrorist attacks”

Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned the terrorist bomb attack outside the Islamabad Law Courts, which targeted the court complex, killed 12 people and left four in critical condition. “It is a tragic incident. I pray that Allah grants Jannah to the martyrs and full recovery to the injured,” he said.

He also condemned the Wana terrorist attack, in which terrorists, including Afghans, attempted to cause chaos. “The attack brought back painful memories of the APS tragedy, but, by the grace of Allah, there were no casualties,” he said. “All terrorists have been neutralized and all cadets, teachers and students have been safely evacuated.”

He expressed gratitude for the prompt and professional action of the armed forces, adding: “I congratulate the entire nation for this successful operation. Our forces saved lives through their professionalism.”

The prime minister said foreign involvement is evident in both recent terrorist attacks and other terrorist incidents. “TTP and BLA are active from Afghanistan and also have links with India,” he said. “When we presented evidence to the world, including the Jaffar Express tragedy, no one disputed these facts.”

“There is clear evidence of their involvement. We are fully aware of the activities of foreign elements. We have already given them a strong response in the past, and we will do so again. We will not allow them to interfere with the peace, development and prosperity of Pakistan,” he added.

Prime Minister welcomes support from allies 27th constitutional amendment

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Asif Zardari, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and member leaders of allied parties for their support in passing the 27th Constitutional Amendment, adding that the establishment of the Constitutional Court would bring peace to the soul of late Benazir Bhutto.

“I would like to thank Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, the Secretary of State, the President and everyone involved. Extensive consultations took place on this constitutional amendment, and these amendments are now part of our Constitution. The Charter of Democracy clearly called for a Constitutional Court, and after 19 years, this dream has come true. I am sure that Benazir’s soul is at peace today, and Allah has also honored Nawaz Sharif The establishment of the Constitutional Court is the pinnacle of the Charter of Democracy,” Shehbaz said.

The Prime Minister said: “Today, after 19 years, the opposition suddenly remembered the Constitutional Court. Today it bothers them, but I believe that disagreement is the right of the opposition and we respect it. However, we must stop the use of insults and accusations. For the development and prosperity of the country, everyone must work together.”

He also paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague Irfan Siddiqui who passed away recently. “He was a teacher of teachers, devoting his life to education, and when he entered politics, he remained loyal to the PML-N and Nawaz Sharif with full responsibility,” he said.

CJ will head the Constitutional Court

Prime Minister Shehbaz further thanked Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, who extended his full support. “Yahya Afridi is a well-respected Chief Justice, known for his character and outstanding performance. I am grateful to him for his assistance and thank him through this forum,” he said. The Prime Minister assured that after the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the Chief Justice of Pakistan will continue to head the Constitutional Court and other institutions.

He added that a strong federation requires strong provinces. Pakistan is made up of four units working together, and there is no question of changing the 18th Amendment or the National Finance Commission award without consultation.

He said: “I will always support anything that strengthens Pakistan and the federation. However good a proposal may be, if it weakens the federation, it is not good for Pakistan. Kala Bagh Dam is a brilliant economic project, but if it weakens the federation, then I am not in favor of it, even if there were 100 Kala Bagh Dams.

The Prime Minister also commended the Pakistani Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, Rangers and Police for their sacrifices in maintaining peace across the country. “The Pakistani army responds immediately after any incident. Its forces fight terrorism and ensure the security of the country.”

“Foreign leaders mobilize to salute the victories”

Prime Minister Shehbaz further said that after a big victory against India, state leaders came forward to greet us. “A year and a half ago, I visited a country and received a modest welcome, with insignificant discussions. But after our success, when I returned, the scene was indescribable. The same head of state, who once greeted me formally, now embraced me,” he added.

He said that respect was given to him by Allah. This courage, ethics, trust in Allah, dawn prayer and bravery enabled Pakistan to receive diplomatic and military respect, something the country had not achieved for decades, he added.

The Prime Minister noted that the government’s decision to grant the title of Field Marshal to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir had been widely appreciated by the nation.

“This has now been incorporated in the Constitution. The post of field marshal will apply not only to the chief of the army but also to the chiefs of the navy and the air force,” he said, adding, “Nations honor their martyrs and their heroes, and we know how to respect our heroes. We have now enshrined this process in the Constitution.”

The federal government will cover the expenses of the army and Rangers

Prime Minister Shehbaz further mentioned that the federal government bears the costs of the military and Rangers, but said discussions would be held with the provinces on this issue. “If we don’t reach an agreement, then there is nothing to discuss,” he added, referring to the question of the provinces’ share of spending.

He concluded by saying, “We need to sit down and resolve many issues, such as the collection of customs duties by the provinces, which is not mentioned in the Constitution but has been settled by a presidential order. We need to gather the pain and happiness of the people and work to resolve these issues.”