The government on the last day of the budget session once again invited the PTI to agree on signing the 'Charter of Democracy' to further strengthen democracy and parliamentary norms. The government had earlier thrice invited the PTI to enter into talks to remove political differences.
Defence Minister Criticizes PTI's Parliamentary Record
Minister for Defence Khwaja Muhammad Asif, speaking on the floor of the House after legislation on supplementary grants, said, "The PML-N and PPP had agreed to the charter of democracy as they learned from the past." He was of the view that the opposition party has caused much damage to the parliamentary system and democratic norms. "It is the need of the hour to learn from mistakes and work collectively to strengthen democratic norms," he said, criticizing the PTI and remarking that parliamentary norms and political culture suffered during the PTI's era.
Speaker Defends Fairness and Constitutional Adherence
Responding to concerns raised by opposition benches, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq said the opposition leader showed commitment to upholding the Constitution, parliamentary traditions, and democratic values. About his remarks regarding PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, he stated that his comments had been misrepresented. The Speaker stated that every member of the House is worthy of respect. He remarked that political offices are temporary and that no one can predict whether they will return to the next National Assembly. However, relationships founded on respect and dignity should endure beyond political differences, as political disagreements are about issues and policies rather than personal animosity.
He added that all his rulings and decisions are guided strictly by the Constitution of Pakistan and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. He noted that while he consistently strives to avoid causing offence to any member, he is not infallible and remains committed to fairness and impartiality. Highlighting the conduct of the Budget Session 2026-27, the Speaker stated that the Opposition was provided nearly twice the time originally allocated for participation in the budget debate. He regretted that despite these opportunities, some opposition members did not fully utilize them.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Details Pakistan's Mediation Role Between US and Iran
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan played a positive role as a facilitator and mediator in all episodes. "As an honest and sincere facilitator and mediator, it kept details of correspondence between the US and Iran as secret and same were not shared even with the friendly countries," remarked the deputy prime minister. "Pakistan is now being recognized as a peace-maker and net security provider for the region because of its mediation efforts between the US and Iran," he said.
He said that Pakistan, Iran, the US, and Qatar participated in meetings held in Switzerland on June 21 and 22. "Islamabad MoU is a three-page document with every page signed by the President of the US and Iran and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif," he said. Prior to signing the MoU, Pakistan engaged in multiple rounds between the US and Iran. In the first phase, it was mentioned in the Islamabad MoU that the Hormuz Strait would be opened. In the second phase, technical discussions would take place on nuclear issues, sanctions on Iran, frozen assets, and Lebanon.
He further said that it was on record that Pakistan was the only Muslim country which proactively condemned the US attack on Iran on February 28. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remained in contact with heads of states, calling his counterparts while Field Marshal Asim Munir also engaged both parties actively. He informed the house that high-level delegations from the US and Iran, with mediation of Pakistan, were engaged in talks in Islamabad in six sessions for 21 hours on April 11 and 12. Leaders of the two countries agreed to sit at a table for negotiations in Islamabad after 47 years, with the condition that Pakistan would also be there as mediator. "I want to appreciate efforts of the Prime Minister, our Foreign Office team and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts," he said, adding that the resort in Switzerland owned by Qatar Investment Authority was selected as the venue on the suggestion of the US and Qatar.
He said that another forum comprising Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt was engaged and held multiple meetings at different venues. "Pakistan made such hectic efforts to this extent and Almighty Allah bestow his blessings on this country," he said, adding that this was an achievement of Pakistan and the whole nation.
Pakistan's Foreign Policy and Regional Cooperation
Referring to regional strategic developments, including defence and security understandings with friendly countries, Dar said Pakistan's foreign policy is guided by cooperation, stability, and regional connectivity. He said that Pakistan continues to pursue economic integration initiatives, including cross-border trade and market connectivity with neighbouring countries, particularly Iran.
JUI-F Chief Calls for Restraint and Dialogue
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday called for political restraint, institutional respect, and meaningful dialogue to resolve national issues. Speaking in the National Assembly, he stressed that the Constitution should be respected by all sides. Referring to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he said that demands presented by groups should be examined seriously as part of a constitutional and political process. He also highlighted that a banned Joint Action Committee had reached out to him for a mediatory role, stating that he had conveyed his willingness to assist in facilitating talks. He said dialogue remained the only viable path forward and warned that the use of force against protest movements could further worsen the situation.
On internal security, he expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He cautioned that political instability and inflammatory statements could harm national unity at a time when collective resolve was needed. He also underscored that Parliament remained supreme and should be the primary forum for debate on national issues, including budgetary and institutional matters.
PA Approves Rs270.5 Billion Demands for Grants
The government defended its budget as the Pakistan Assembly approved Rs270.5 billion demands for grants.
