Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday urged all political parties to protect the sanctity of Parliament and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of democratic institutions, emphasizing that political disagreements should not undermine the legislature. Addressing the National Assembly, he highlighted that senior leaders from major parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had faced imprisonment and political adversity in the past but continued to uphold parliamentary traditions and democratic values.
Respect for Democratic Processes
Asif noted that despite encountering legal and political challenges, these leaders pursued their grievances through constitutional and judicial mechanisms rather than disrupting state institutions. Referring to members of the Sharif family, he said they too had undergone legal proceedings while maintaining their commitment to the democratic process. Criticizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the minister alleged that the party had repeatedly hindered parliamentary proceedings by tying its participation in the House to the incarceration of its leader. He argued that national institutions and the state must take precedence over individuals, emphasizing that while political figures may come and go, the country endures.
Parliament's Foremost Responsibility
Khawaja Asif said political parties are entitled to seek relief for their leaders through legal and political avenues, but should refrain from obstructing legislative work or weakening democratic institutions. He underscored that lawmaking remains Parliament's foremost responsibility and urged lawmakers to keep political protests within democratic and constitutional boundaries. The minister further claimed that many PTI members wished to see Parliament function effectively, but persistent disruptions had damaged the institution's credibility.
Kashmir as a National Cause
Turning to the Kashmir issue and the voting rights of Kashmiri refugees, he described Kashmir as a national cause that extends beyond the people of the region alone. He said Pakistan and the Kashmiri people had made immense sacrifices for the issue over the decades. Reaffirming Pakistan's support for Kashmir, Khawaja Asif said the country would continue advocating for the Kashmiri cause and highlighted the ongoing role of security personnel in safeguarding national borders. He also recalled Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's description of Kashmir as Pakistan's “jugular vein,” reiterating Islamabad's longstanding position on the dispute.
