Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the opposition for talks during his speech in the National Assembly, saying he was ready to take a step forward for the supremacy of the Constitution, law and democracy.
During the session, an opposition member remarked that the prime minister should “take a step forward.” Smiling in response, Shehbaz Sharif said he was ready to do so and invited the opposition to engage in dialogue.
“I am ready to take a step forward, you should also come home,” the prime minister said during an exchange with Sanaullah Mastikhel in the National Assembly.
Shehbaz Sharif said he was ready to talk with the opposition for the supremacy of the Constitution, law and democracy. He added that the House was like a home, where members had been elected from all four provinces.
Provinces have right over economic resources
Addressing the National Assembly session, the prime minister said economic resources were the right of all provinces and there was no disagreement on this principle.
He said the people of Balochistan had a rightful share in the Reko Diq project, adding that Balochistan’s people were brave and courageous.
Shehbaz Sharif said Balochistan’s share in the 2010 NFC Award had been increased by 100%, with Punjab contributing the largest share.
‘Four brothers will share one loaf of bread’
The prime minister said Punjab had the largest share in the NFC, while Sindh also had its share. He said a household runs properly only when the elder brother ensures economic justice.
“Four brothers will share and eat one loaf of bread,” Shehbaz Sharif said, referring to national unity and resource-sharing among provinces.
Development in Balochistan
The prime minister said opposition leaders were aware that solar panels had been given to farmers in Balochistan. He said a road was being built from Gwadar to Chaman at a cost of Rs300 billion.
Shehbaz Sharif said no one had demanded the road, but it was his responsibility as prime minister to build this story of brotherhood and development.
Shehbaz said he had listened to Mahmood Achakzai’s address and would respond to it at an appropriate time. He said the opposition leader had spoken about the Pakistan Army in his speech.
He also said whatever sacrifice was made for Pakistan was still less, adding that national institutions and martyrs deserved respect.
Terrorism in Balochistan and KP
The prime minister said terrorism was taking place in Balochistan and everyone knew who was behind it. He said Pakistan had also presented evidence of external involvement in terrorism.
Shehbaz Sharif said terrorism was also occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistani forces were being martyred while fighting terrorists.
The PM said officers and soldiers protect the children of the country by orphaning their own children. He said the young children of martyrs often do not even know where their fathers have gone, and the painful story of their sacrifices must be understood.
“If we do not respect the martyrs today, what will the world and their orphaned children say?” he asked.
Shehbaz Sharif warned that if the nation forgot the sacrifices of martyrs, future generations and history would never forgive it.
Pak-Afghan border fencing
The prime minister also referred to fencing along the Pak-Afghan border, saying it was carried out for security and public safety.
He linked the measure to Pakistan’s broader fight against terrorism and the sacrifices of officers and soldiers serving in difficult conditions.
Opposition leader invites PM
During the session, the opposition leader said that “nobles” were his home and invited the prime minister to visit.
The prime minister’s remarks came during a broader discussion on provincial rights, national unity, terrorism, development and political dialogue.
No double standards or hidden agendas: PTI
Later, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan responded to the PM's offer of talks by saying that the PTI also wants political issues to be resolved through dialogue.
However, he stressed that negotiations should be conducted with sincerity and without any attempt to undermine or humiliate anyone.
“Dialogue is the right way forward, but there should be no double standards or hidden agendas,” Gohar said.
Questioning the continued imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan, he asked, “Why is the country’s most popular leader being kept in jail?”
Gohar said the first step toward meaningful negotiations should be arranging a meeting with the PTI founder. He also expressed concern over Imran Khan’s health, saying that no clear information was being provided regarding his medical condition and that he had not been shifted to a hospital despite concerns.
The PTI chairman further complained that the party’s legal cases were not being taken up by the courts, asking how progress could be made in talks when judicial matters remained unresolved.
“We support dialogue and want political issues to be settled through negotiations, but there must be seriousness and practical steps to create an environment where talks can succeed,” he said.
.gif)
.jpg)
