Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday rejected opposition claims that his government lacked legitimacy, telling the National Assembly that if the 2018 general election was considered legitimate, then the current government should be regarded as legitimate as well.
“Conduct an inquiry into the 2018 election. If there was no manipulation, if ballot boxes were not stuffed, and if people were not brought to Islamabad by force and no threats were issued, then take a look at the 2018 election. If that was a legitimate government, then this is also a legitimate government. And if you are so keen on investigations, then let us start from 2018. If the matter is opened, it will go very far,” said PM Shehbaz while addressing the House during debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27.
Response to Opposition Leader's Remarks
PM Shehbaz responded to remarks by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had earlier described the government as "illegal" and accused it of undermining democratic institutions. Achakzai had delivered a wide-ranging speech criticising the government's handling of political and constitutional affairs.
Responding to the criticism, PM Shehbaz said the day was not meant for raising divisive political issues and described several of Achakzai's assertions as contrary to the facts. He rejected suggestions that development was being pursued at the expense of smaller provinces.
“I have always maintained that if Punjab progresses alone, that is not Pakistan's progress. If Sindh progresses alone, that is not Pakistan's progress,” he said. “Until all four provinces are equal partners in development, it cannot be called Pakistan's development.”
Pakistan's Role in Iran-US Ceasefire
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts, saying an Iran-US understanding had been reached in Switzerland through talks hosted by Pakistan. He said a ceasefire was now in place between the two countries and that technical negotiations would continue over the next 60 days under the memorandum of understanding, with the aim of reaching a permanent agreement.
“Pakistan worked with sincerity and dedication to help bridge the gaps between Iran and the United States,” he said. The prime minister said negotiations had continued throughout the day and night before a joint statement was agreed by all parties.
“Today, by the grace of God, not only has a ceasefire been achieved between Iran and the US, but technical negotiations will continue over the next 60 days,” he told lawmakers. “There will be discussions on nuclear facilities, ballistic missiles, and frozen assets, and we hope that within 60 days the memorandum of understanding will lead to a long-lasting agreement that contributes to peace in the world.”
International Recognition for Pakistan
Congratulating parliamentarians and the public, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan's role in the talks had earned international recognition. “Pakistan's contribution to this process is not only historic but a source of pride for the nation,” he said.
He claimed that leading international newspapers had prominently highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic efforts. “This positive narrative about Pakistan could not have been achieved even if billions of rupees had been spent on publicity campaigns,” he added.
He added that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was arriving in Pakistan later in the day and that discussions would focus on further strengthening bilateral relations.
Achakzai's Criticism of Government
Achakzai, while speaking, said that the government’s tenure was nearing two and a half years and “it is time to change our tone.” He criticised the speaker’s conduct of the House, saying that despite his experience, he failed to uphold the Constitution and law and “expelled 14 colleagues from the Assembly through procedural manoeuvring.”
He said that prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore were all over 70 years old. “Have some fear of God. You have set a record. You have sentenced five people to a total of 286 years in prison. You have also given life imprisonment to Mahrang Baloch. You have supported undemocratic governments in undermining the Constitution.”
Achakzai said, “My brother said Pakistan exists, so we exist. Shahbaz said correctly that Pakistan is not in the sky. Pakistan means Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Why do you not consider K-P part of Pakistan? We have all taken an oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have clipped the wings of the judiciary through your votes.”
The opposition leader urged the government to engage with political stakeholders across the country, particularly in Balochistan, and said Parliament should serve as the central source of democratic authority.
