In an uncommon display of political unity, Pakistan’s National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Friday acknowledging the country’s diplomatic contribution to a historic peace agreement between Iran and the United States.
The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, featured notable cross-party engagement, including interactions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leaders, marking a temporary break from the typically polarized atmosphere in the lower house.
Speaker Sadiq described the diplomatic success as a “once-in-centuries moment” for Pakistan’s foreign policy, commending the joint efforts of civilian and military leadership. He specifically highlighted Prime Minister Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their roles.
In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Sharif departed from usual protocol by approaching opposition benches to shake hands and briefly converse with Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
During his address, Sharif hailed the peace agreement as a major milestone for regional stability, acknowledging the crucial mediation efforts of China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, and Oman. He also extended formal gratitude to US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for their dedication to finalizing the diplomatic framework.
Turning to domestic economic matters, the prime minister announced the allocation of Rs128 billion in targeted subsidies aimed at cushioning the local economy from disruptions caused by the Iran-US tensions. With global oil markets stabilizing post-agreement, Sharif assured that the financial benefits would be passed on to consumers through significant reductions in domestic fuel prices.
He emphasized that Pakistan successfully avoided the severe supply-chain crises seen in neighboring countries and revealed an invitation extended to Iranian President Pezeshkian for an official state visit to Islamabad. Additionally, Sharif informed the assembly that a high-level Pakistani delegation would attend the state funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in early July.
Beyond formal proceedings, Sharif, accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, engaged in extended discussions with opposition leaders. The opposition presented a list of legislative demands, prompting Sharif to summon Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to the floor to issue immediate directives before returning to his party benches.
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai took a conciliatory tone, affirming the opposition’s alignment with the government on issues of national sovereignty and international stature. He stressed that political rivalries should not undermine state unity and reaffirmed recognition of Sharif as the legitimate Leader of the House despite ongoing partisan disputes.
Following these consultations, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced a joint resolution supported by all parties. The resolution formally expressed parliament’s appreciation for the leadership and international partners in averting a broader regional conflict. It passed unanimously after final cross-bench discussions involving Sharif, Asif, and opposition members concluded just before electronic voting commenced.
