The lawmakers in the Lower House of the Parliament – National Assembly – buried their differences on Friday and adopted a resolution unanimously paying rich tributes to Pakistani leadership for mediating a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
The National Assembly unanimously passed the resolution recognizing that Pakistan’s sincere and tireless efforts for US-Iran peace agreement have positioned the country as a trusted neutral mediator on the global stage.
The resolution, moved by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the entire team engaged in the process of intense negotiations.
The House noted with immense satisfaction and pride the landmark diplomatic breakthrough in terms of cessation of hostilities and signing of an agreement for peace and stability between the United States and Iran.
The resolution congratulated and appreciated the leadership of Iran and the United States for signing the historic peace deal.
Earlier speaking on the floor of the House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said if the National Assembly adopted a resolution in this regard, it would not just be an affirmation of Pakistan’s “great success” in its peace endeavour, but it would also send a message of unity and solidarity to the world.
He urged both sides of the aisle to collectively send a message to the world that, despite “our political differences, we will always be united” for national causes.
The premier said if he would not specifically name those who had worked day and night for peace between the US and Iran, even at the cost of repetition, “I will not be fair to myself, to yourself, to this honourable House and to the people of Pakistan”.
“It is an undeniable truth, whether we like it or not, that the most significant role in this is of Field Marshal Asim Munir, who worked tirelessly day and night, sacrificing his sleep for the last two to three months, to restore peace,” he said.
He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for contributing to peace efforts and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whom PM Shehbaz said “played his part regarding Iran”.
He also congratulated Leader of the Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai and other opposition members, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other allies of the ruling PML-N.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed the confidence that Pakistan and Iran would enter a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the US.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had earned global recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, calling it a moment of pride for the nation. “Pakistan is being acknowledged around the world for helping bring about this peace deal,” he said, adding the achievement reflected the country’s growing diplomatic stature.
He thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a key role in efforts to establish peace in the region. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
He also called on opposition parties to join the government in projecting a message of national unity, saying the success belonged to the entire nation.
Shehbaz informed that yesterday he received a telephone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked Pakistan and its people for supporting Iran during a difficult period. The PM said he invited the Iranian president to visit Pakistan and told him that the entire nation will warmly welcome him upon his arrival in Pakistan. He added Pezeshkian also invited him to participate in the funeral prayers of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He assured that a Pakistani delegation would attend the funeral.
Shehbaz expressed the hope that the ceasefire and peace efforts would improve economic conditions in both countries.
The PM thanked provincial governments for their cooperation in managing economic challenges and acknowledged the roles played by Iran, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China in supporting the peace initiative. He described the diplomatic achievement as a historic moment for Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the international respect the country had received.
PM talks to Achakzai, Gohar
During the NA proceedings, PM Shehbaz Sharif went to the Opposition benches and met with Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Asad Qaiser.
After brief chat with them, the prime minister also called in Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and issued him some directives in presence of the Opposition leaders.
No mike for Gohar
NA Speaker at one pointed refused to give the mike to Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. “I will not give mike to you as your time is up. I would not do that, whatever you want to do against me you can,” he added.
NA Speaker hails leadership
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday appreciated the country’s leadership and the negotiating team for their efforts during the peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Addressing the National Assembly, he praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, officials of the Foreign Office, and other members of the team for their collective efforts.
He said that due to their hard work and coordination, Pakistan had achieved an unprecedented honour in its history, particularly in relation to the recent signing of the US-Iran peace agreement.
Pervaiz Ashraf commends diplomatic successes
Former prime minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) senior leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also hailed Pakistan’s diplomatic successes, calling them a source of pride for the entire nation.
Participating in the budget debate, Pervaiz Ashraf said members of parliament and the people of Pakistan had rightly celebrated the country’s diplomatic achievements, particularly its role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Referring to tensions between Iran and the United States, he said the situation had posed a serious threat to regional and global peace and created fears of widespread destruction and economic disruption.
He said Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, worked with wisdom, patience and coordination to advance diplomatic efforts.
He said Pakistan had demonstrated to the world that it was a peace-loving country capable of playing a key role in maintaining international peace.
Congratulating the country’s leadership, he said the honour and recognition earned through these efforts belonged not only to individuals but to all 250 million Pakistanis.
Regarding the federal budget, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said every government sought to present a budget aimed at providing relief to the public and improving living standards.
However, he added that Pakistan’s economy continued to face pressure from global and regional developments, including the war in Ukraine and security challenges in the region.
He emphasized the importance of constructive opposition, saying criticism should be accompanied by practical suggestions and alternatives.
Highlighting the plight of government employees, pensioners and the agricultural community, he said these groups were among the most directly affected by inflation and budgetary decisions.
While acknowledging the government’s decision to increase salaries by seven percent, he argued that the raise was insufficient in view of rising inflation and called for an increase of at least 10 percent.
Recalling the PPP government’s tenure from 2008 to 2013, he said salaries and pensions had been doubled over five years despite difficult economic conditions to protect citizens from inflationary pressures.
He maintained that salaried employees, labourers and small farmers lacked the means to offset rising costs and therefore required greater government support.
The former prime minister said overcoming economic challenges required collective thinking and national unity.
Comparing the country’s economy to a household budget, he said all stakeholders needed to work together, listen to one another and devise solutions for increasing national resources.
He stressed that economic progress depended on political stability, law and order and a conducive environment for business and investment.
He urged political parties to avoid confrontational politics and instead focus on national interests and economic development.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also called for encouraging overseas Pakistanis and investors to invest in the country, saying they should be given respect, confidence and incentives so they could contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Discussing the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him and several colleagues to engage with stakeholders and address public grievances.
He said the delegation held detailed discussions with representatives and succeeded in resolving many issues through dialogue.
He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had supported efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue.
Referring to the government’s decision to reduce electricity tariffs in AJK, he said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded immediately when the issue was brought before them.
He said the leadership regarded the people of Kashmir as their own brothers and sisters and was committed to addressing their concerns.
He added that support for the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s nuclear programme remained issues of complete national consensus, adding that every Pakistani, regardless of political affiliation, stood united in support of the Kashmiri people.
He appealed to the people of Kashmir to maintain peace and assured them that efforts would continue to resolve their concerns through discussions.
He said every life was precious and called on community leaders to help defuse tensions and promote dialogue.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also welcomed the government’s decision to extend tax exemptions for residents of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA).
He said a delegation from the region had raised concerns regarding the continuation of tax relief and that he had discussed the matter with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
He thanked the finance minister, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for supporting the extension of tax exemptions.
