PM 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 prevail in the region. “Come, let us sit down with true hearts and put an end to terrorism. We will fully support you in establishing peace in the region, so that progress and prosperity can continue,” he said during the session held to approve the 27th Amendment on Wednesday.

He further stated that negotiations had been held with the Afghan Taliban regime in Doha and Istanbul, in which Pakistan participated. “We reiterate our long-standing demand to prevent TTP and BLA from operating in their territory.” He went on to say: “Our forces face daily battles, with martyrs like the major, lieutenant colonel and soldier sacrificing 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 hands with Pakistan to achieve peace equally. “We know what is best for both Pakistan and Afghanistan and if the terrorists are not controlled after all the false and true promises, we will not tolerate it in any way,” he said.

He added: “For forty years, we welcomed millions of Afghan refugees and never let them feel like strangers. We always treated them as brothers and guests, and this process continued until their return home. Today, the world witnesses the price we are paying for forty years of hospitality.”

‘Foreign involvement is evident in recent terrorist attacks’

Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned the terrorist bomb attack outside the Islamabad court, which targeted the court complex, killing 12 people and leaving four in critical condition. “This is a tragic incident. I pray that Allah grants a place in Jannah to the martyrs and a full recovery to the injured,” he said.

He also condemned the terrorist attack in Wana, where terrorists, including individuals from Afghanistan, attempted to wreak havoc. “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 evacuated safely.”

He expressed gratitude for the swift and professional action of the armed forces, adding: “I congratulate the entire nation for this successful operation. Our forces saved lives thanks to their professionalism.”

The Prime Minister stated that foreign involvement is evident in both the recent terrorist attacks and other terrorist incidents. “TTP and BLA operate from Afghanistan and also have links with India,” he said. “When we presented evidence to the world, including the Jaffar Express tragedy, no one questioned 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 with the peace, development and prosperity of Pakistan,” he added.

The prime minister welcomes the support of the allies 27th Constitutional Amendment

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Asif Zardari, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and 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, 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, this dream has come true. I am sure that Benazir’s soul is at peace today, and Allah has also honored Nawaz Sharif. The creation of the Constitutional Court marks the pinnacle of the Charter of Democracy,” Shehbaz said.

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

CJ will preside over the Constitutional Court

Prime Minister Shehbaz further thanked Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi who extended his full support. “Yahya Afridi is a highly respected Chief Justice, 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 passage 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 made up of four units 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 support anything that strengthens Pakistan and the federation. No matter how good a proposal is, if it weakens the federation, it is not good for Pakistan. The Kala Bagh dam is a brilliant economic project, but if it weakens the federation, then 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 Forces, Rangers and Police for their sacrifices in maintaining peace across the country. “Pakistan Army responds immediately after any incident. The forces are fighting terrorism and keeping the country safe.”

‘Foreign leaders step forward to salute after victories’

Prime Minister Shehbaz further said that after a great victory against India, heads of states come forward to greet us. “A year and a half ago I visited a country and received 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 greeted me formally, now hugged me,” he added.

He said that Allah granted him respect. This courage, ethics, trust in Allah, dawn prayer and bravery have resulted in Pakistan receiving diplomatic and military respect, something the country had not achieved in decades, he added.

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

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

Federal will cover the costs of the army and the Rangers

Chief Minister Shehbaz further mentioned that the federal government bears the costs of the military and Rangers, but stated that talks would be held 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 resolve many issues, such as the collection of customs duties by the provinces, which is not mentioned in the Constitution but was addressed through a presidential ordinance. We need to unite the pain and happiness of the people and work to resolve these issues.”