ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded firmly on Tuesday to opposition claims branding his government as illegitimate, urging them to first address controversies surrounding the 2018 elections. His remarks came as the opposition leader exited the National Assembly session midway through the address.
Opening his speech by highlighting Pakistan’s pivotal role in the recent US-Iran diplomatic breakthrough in Switzerland, the Prime Minister soon shifted focus to the opposition’s allegations. He challenged them to conduct a thorough investigation into the 2018 elections, stating that if there was no manipulation of ballot boxes, no concealment of votes, and no coercion of voters brought to Islamabad, then the previous government should be deemed legitimate. He added that if the 2018 government was legitimate, so too is the current one. Furthermore, he warned that opening the 2024 elections to scrutiny could reveal extensive irregularities.
Despite the tense exchange, the address was largely celebratory as PM Shehbaz praised Pakistan’s mediation in the landmark US-Iran nuclear agreement. He noted that leaders from both countries had visited Islamabad for negotiations conducted with dedication and sincerity. The talks extended through day and night, culminating in a joint statement finalized between 2:20 and 3:00 a.m., which all parties endorsed. A memorandum of understanding has been signed, with a comprehensive agreement expected within 60 days. The deal also covers discussions on Iran’s nuclear ballistic missiles and frozen assets.
“Pakistan’s diplomatic achievement has been prominently featured on the front pages of major newspapers worldwide,” the Prime Minister told the House. “This success could not have been bought with billions of rupees; it was earned through skilled diplomacy.” He also highlighted the visit of Iranian President Pezeshkian to Pakistan on the same day, emphasizing that the brotherly relationship between the two nations would be strengthened further.
Addressing a misrepresentation of his comments on Balochistan, PM Shehbaz clarified that his stance on provincial equity remains unchanged. He stressed that Punjab’s development alone does not equate to Pakistan’s progress, and the country cannot move forward unless all four provinces advance together. He criticized the distortion of his words and noted that the National Finance Commission had voluntarily doubled allocations for Balochistan, a decision made in coordination with all provinces.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister expressed hope for national unity, describing it as an invaluable blessing from Allah. He acknowledged that the day was not meant for highlighting differences but for fostering solidarity among Pakistanis.
