ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday informed the National Assembly that a substantial reduction in fuel prices would be announced later in the day. He called for a unanimous parliamentary resolution to demonstrate national unity, praising Pakistan's recent diplomatic contributions to global peace. The session was chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and the prime minister was greeted with desk-thumping from lawmakers upon his arrival.
Fuel Price Reduction Announcement
Addressing the House during the budget session, PM Shehbaz noted that oil prices had declined following a ceasefire and expressed optimism for further decreases. "Today, God willing, a significant reduction will be announced," he said, referring to the fuel prices scheduled for revision on Friday. He emphasized that Pakistan had earned international recognition and urged lawmakers across party lines to support a unanimous resolution. "If this House passes a unanimous resolution on this matter, it will send a message of unity to the world," he stated, adding that political differences should not hinder national interests.
Role of Military Leadership
PM Shehbaz highlighted the crucial role played by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in securing a global peace agreement, noting his tireless efforts over the past two to three months. He also credited Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their contributions, acknowledging moments when negotiations nearly collapsed. The prime minister congratulated opposition lawmakers, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Diplomatic Engagements
PM Shehbaz informed parliament that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had telephoned him on Thursday evening to thank Pakistan and specifically acknowledged Field Marshal Asim Munir's role. He said he had invited Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan, an invitation that was accepted. Additionally, the Iranian president invited Pakistan to attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and a Pakistani delegation will participate. The premier thanked provincial governments, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, petroleum officials, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for managing the economy during difficult times, stating that government efforts prevented shortages and queues at petrol stations, contrasting the situation with Sri Lanka.
Cross-Aisle Interactions
PM Shehbaz later walked to the seats of Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to shake hands. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq provided details of budget debate participation, noting that government members still had two-and-a-half hours of speaking time remaining. He said 66 opposition lawmakers had taken part, and while nine hours were allocated to the opposition, they spoke for 14 hours and four minutes, exceeding their allotted time by five hours, three minutes, and 28 seconds. The speaker refuted opposition claims of being silenced, citing repeated invitations to participate. He added that Thursday's sitting was deliberately extended by half an hour for additional speeches, and government members were invited but none spoke. Ayaz Sadiq announced that Friday's sitting would be adjourned until Saturday before Juma prayers.
Opposition and PPP Remarks
During the debate, PPP lawmaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said an Iran-US agreement demonstrated Pakistan's desire for global peace and claimed Pakistan helped avert a third world war. He congratulated PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling for a 10 per cent increase in government employees' salaries, arguing the proposed seven per cent raise was insufficient. Ashraf stressed that political stability, improved law and order, poverty reduction, and consensus-based policymaking were essential for economic growth and foreign investment. He also addressed the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), stating that a government negotiating team accepted 80 per cent of protesters' demands, though refugee seats remained unresolved. He noted that electricity tariffs were reduced to Rs3 per unit and flour subsidies were granted as part of negotiations. Ashraf called for another negotiating committee and urged dialogue between protesters and authorities.
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai told the House that the day should not be used for political point-scoring, stressing that parliament, the military, and national interests belonged to all Pakistanis. He called for restoring powers taken away from parliament and urged the prime minister to make decisions independently. Achakzai also criticized the suspension of lawmaker Iqbal Afridi for the budget session's duration and appealed for its reversal. He said his party would provide unconditional support for strengthening parliament and democracy.
Consultations and Meetings
Following Achakzai's remarks, the prime minister crossed the floor for brief consultations with Achakzai, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb joined the discussions, after which the prime minister called him aside and issued instructions. Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also met opposition leaders at their seats for consultations.
