He says until all four provinces are equal partners in development, Pakistan cannot be called development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the National Assembly in Islamabad on Friday. Photo:
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday rejected opposition claims that his government lacked legitimacy, telling the National Assembly that if the 2018 general elections were considered legitimate, then the current government should also be considered legitimate.
“Carry out an investigation into the 2018 elections. If there was no rigging, if the ballot boxes were not full, and if people were not taken to Islamabad by force and there were no threats, then let’s look at the 2018 elections. If that was a legitimate government, then this is also a legitimate government. And if they are so interested in investigations, then let’s start from 2018. If the matter is opened, it will go very far,” the prime minister said Shehbaz addressing the House during the debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27.
Prime Minister Shehbaz responded to the remarks of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had earlier described the government as “illegal” and accused it of undermining democratic institutions. Achakzai had given a wide-ranging speech criticizing the government’s handling of political and constitutional affairs.
Responding to criticism, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the day was not meant to raise divisive political issues and described several of Achakzai’s claims as contrary to facts. He rejected suggestions that development was being sought 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 the four provinces are equal partners in development, Pakistan cannot be called development.”
Read: The Iranian president will arrive in Pakistan today on an official visit
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts, saying that an understanding had been reached between Iran and the United States in Switzerland through talks organized by Pakistan. He said a ceasefire now exists between the two countries and that technical negotiations will continue for 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 gaps between Iran and the United States,” he said.
The prime minister said negotiations continued throughout the day and night before all sides agreed to a joint statement. “Today, by the grace of God, not only has a ceasefire been achieved between Iran and the United States, but technical negotiations will continue for 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 peace in the world.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated parliamentarians and the public and said Pakistan’s role in the talks had earned international recognition. “Pakistan’s contribution to this process is not only historic but also a source of pride for the nation,” he said.
Read more: Israeli attacks on Lebanon almost ‘derailed’ US-Iran talks in Switzerland: DPM Dar
He claimed that major international newspapers had prominently featured 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 would arrive in Pakistan later in the day and that discussions would focus on further strengthening bilateral relations.
Achakzai, while speaking, said the government’s tenure was approaching two and a half years and “it is time to change our tune.” He criticized the conduct of the Speaker of the House, saying that despite his experience, he did not respect the Constitution and the law and “expelled 14 colleagues from the Assembly through procedural maneuvers.”
He said the inmates at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore were all above 70 years of age. “Have some fear of God. They have set a record. They have sentenced five people to a total of 286 years in prison. They have also given life imprisonment to Mahrang Baloch. They have supported undemocratic governments to undermine the Constitution.”
Achakzai said, “My brother said that Pakistan exists, that is why 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 a part of Pakistan? We have all sworn to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have clipped the wings of the judiciary with your votes.”
The opposition leader urged the government to collaborate with political players across the country, particularly in Balochistan, and said Parliament should serve as the central source of democratic authority.
