ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Wednesday strongly criticised the present government over the political situation in Balochistan and Kashmir, while also raising concerns about restrictions on meeting with the incarcerated PTI leader.
Opposition's Concerns
Speaking on a point of order, the opposition leader condemned the government's handling of unrest in Balochistan and Kashmir. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan urged the government to facilitate a meeting with their leader as soon as possible. He also called for proper consultation on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the introduction of an electronic voting system.
Government's Response
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar rejected the opposition's allegations. Responding to various points raised by the opposition benches, he said the government is ready to sit with the opposition on the issue of appointments against various constitutional positions. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had offered dialogue from the very beginning of his government. Tarar reiterated the offer, stating that the opposition needs to create an enabling environment to address issues, and the government will respond if the opposition initiates the process for such appointments.
Support for Pakistani Detainees Abroad
The National Assembly was informed that all possible assistance and support are being provided to Pakistani detainees abroad. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistani missions abroad have dedicated sections providing necessary support, including legal and financial assistance, to ensure the welfare of Pakistani prisoners.
Responding to another question, the minister said every effort is being made to secure the release of Pakistani hostages held by Somali pirates.
HIV Awareness and Measures
Responding to a calling attention notice, Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said the government is fully vigilant and taking all possible measures to control the spread of HIV. He identified drug use and reuse or misuse of syringes as major contributing factors. Over 300,000 people have been diagnosed HIV positive, he said.
The minister highlighted that HIV is a curable disease and does not cause sudden death. Patients can live normal lives with proper medication, available at 98 ART centres across Pakistan. He added that patients undergoing treatment cannot transmit the virus and should be treated with dignity. Currently, 84,000 people are registered at these centres, with 61,000 receiving treatment. The government plans to increase the number of ART centres.
Emphasising the importance of HIV screening, Kamal said around 400,000 screenings have been conducted this year. The Ministry is also launching a comprehensive awareness campaign about the disease and its treatment.
Legislation and Committee Reports
The House passed “The Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025” and “The Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions (Registration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.” Several reports of standing committees were also presented.
The House will meet again tomorrow at 11 am.
Earlier, in a lighter moment, lawmakers discussed iPads provided to them. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar pointed out technical issues with the devices, and the Speaker noted that games had been disabled, drawing laughter in the House.
