Prime Minister Shehbaz extends olive branch to Afghanistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a conditional offer to the Afghan Taliban regime, urging them to stop supporting terrorism so that peace can reign 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 on the floor of the assembly during the session held to approve the 27th amendment on Wednesday.

He further stated that negotiations had taken place with the Afghan Taliban regime in Doha and Istanbul, in which Pakistan participated. “We reiterated our longstanding demand to prevent TTP and BLA from operating on their land.” He went on to say, “Our forces face daily battles where martyrs like major, lieutenant colonel and soldier sacrifice their lives. Our martyrs say goodbye to their children and protect millions of other children from orphanhood.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Pakistan wants peace and hopes that Afghanistan will agree to this and join Pakistan in achieving peace on equal footing. “We know what is best for both Pakistan and Afghanistan and if terrorists are not checked after all the false and true promises, we will not tolerate it in any form,” he said.

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

‘Foreign involvement is evident in recent terrorist attacks’

Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned the terror bombing outside the courthouse in Islamabad, which targeted the judicial complex, martyred 12 people and left four in critical condition. “This is a tragic incident. I pray that Allah gives the martyrs a place in Jannah and full recovery to the injured,” he said.

He also condemned the terrorist attack in Wana, where terrorists, including individuals from Afghanistan, tried to sow mayhem. “The attack brought back painful memories of the APS tragedy, but by the grace of Allah, there were no casualties,” he said. “All terrorists were neutralized and all cadets, teachers and students were safely evacuated.”

Expressing gratitude for the swift and professional action of the armed forces, he added: “I congratulate the entire nation for this successful operation. Our forces saved lives through their professionalism.”

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

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

PM welcomes allies’ support to 27th constitutional amendment

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Asif Zardari, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and the leaders, members 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, Law Secretary, the Speaker, and everyone involved. Extensive consultations were held 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 I have been sure that I have had peace, then I have been sure that this is peace. today, and Allah has also Honorable Nawaz Sharif. The establishment of the Constitutional Court marks the pinnacle of the charter of democracy,” Shehbaz said.

The Prime Minister said: “Today, after 19 years, the opposition has suddenly remembered the Constitutional Court. Today it bothers them, but I believe that disagreement is the right of the opposition, and we respect that. However, we must put an end to 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, dedicated his life to education and when he entered politics, he remained loyal to PML-N and Nawaz Sharif with full responsibility,” he said.

CJ to head the Constitutional Court

Prime Minister Shehbaz further thanked the Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi who extended full support. “Yahya Afridi is a highly respected chief umpire, known for his character and outstanding performance. I am grateful for his help and I 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 further stated that a strong federation requires strong provinces. Pakistan is formed by four entities 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 stand with anything that strengthens Pakistan and the federation. No matter how 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, I am not in favor of it, even if there were 100 Kala Bagh Dams.”

The Prime Minister also praised the Pakistan Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Rangers and Police for their sacrifices to maintain peace throughout the country. “Pakistan Army reacts immediately after any incident. The forces fight terrorism and keep the country safe.”

‘Foreign leaders come forward to salute after victories’

Prime Minister Shehbaz further said that after a great victory against India, heads of state are coming forward to greet us. “A year and a half ago, I visited a country and got a modest reception with trivial discussions. But after our success, when I visited again, the scene was indescribable. The same head of state who once gave a formal greeting now embraced me,” he added.

He said that the respect was given to him by Allah. This courage, ethics, trust in Allah, dawn prayer and bravery have resulted in Pakistan receiving respect diplomatically and militarily, something the country had not achieved for decades, he added.

The premier noted that the government’s decision to confer the title of Field Marshal on Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was widely appreciated by the nation.

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

Federal must bear the cost of the Army, Rangers

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

He concluded by saying, “We need to sit down and solve many problems, such as the collection of customs by provinces, which are not mentioned in the constitution but were addressed through a presidential decree. We need to gather the pain and happiness of the people and work towards solving these problems.”