Says that until all four provinces are equal partners in development, it cannot be called Pakistan’s development
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 election was considered legitimate, then the current government should also be considered legitimate.
“Do an investigation into the 2018 elections. If there was no tampering, if the ballot boxes were not stuffed and if people were not brought to Islamabad by force and no threats were issued, then 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, let’s go very deep into the investigation, let’s go very openly. far,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz while addressing Parliament during debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was responding to remarks by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had earlier described the government as “illegal” and accused it of undermining democratic institutions. Achakzai had made a wide-ranging speech criticizing the government’s handling of political and constitutional affairs.
Responding to the criticism, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the day was not meant to raise divisive political issues and described several of Achakzai’s claims as contradicting the facts. He rejected suggestions that development was being pursued at the expense of smaller provinces.
“I have always maintained that if Punjab progresses alone, it is not Pakistan’s progress. If Sindh progresses alone, it is not Pakistan’s progress,” he said. “Until all four provinces are equal partners in development, it cannot be called Pakistan’s development.”
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The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts and said an agreement had been reached between Iran and the US in Switzerland through talks hosted by Pakistan. He said a ceasefire was now in place between the two countries and that technical talks would continue over the next 60 days under the memorandum of understanding with the aim of reaching a permanent agreement.
“Pakistan worked with sincerity and dedication to help bridge the gap between Iran and the United States,” he said.
The prime minister said negotiations had continued throughout the day and night before a joint statement was agreed upon by all parties. “Today, by the grace of God, not only has a ceasefire been achieved 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 lead to a lasting agreement that contributes to world peace.”
Congratulating parliamentarians and the public, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan’s role in the negotiations had gained international recognition. “Pakistan’s contribution to this process is not only historic but a source of pride for the nation,” he said.
He claimed that leading international newspapers had prominently highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. “This positive narrative about Pakistan could not have been achieved even if billions of rupees had been spent on advertising campaigns,” he added.
He added that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan later in the day and that discussions would focus on further strengthening bilateral relations.
Achakzai said while speaking that the government’s tenure was approaching two and a half years and “it is time to change our tone.” He criticized the Speaker’s conduct of the House, saying that despite his experience, he failed to uphold the Constitution and the law and “expelled 14 colleagues from the Assembly through procedural maneuvering.”
He said the prisoners in the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore were all above 70 years of age. “Have some godliness. You have set a record. You have sentenced five people to a total of 286 years in prison. You have also given Mahrang Baloch life imprisonment. You have supported undemocratic governments in undermining the constitution.”
Achakzai said: “My brother said that Pakistan exists so we exist. Shahbaz correctly said that Pakistan is not in heaven. 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 your judgement.”
The opposition leader called on the government to engage with political stakeholders across the country, especially in Balochistan, and said parliament should serve as the central source of democratic authority.
