PML-N withdraws immunity clause after PM Shehbaz’s directive
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing nation on Sunday in Islamabad. Photo: Screenshot
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed the withdrawal of an amendment proposal submitted by some senators from his party seeking immunity for the prime minister.
In a post on X, Shehbaz said he learnt of the development upon his return from Azerbaijan and clarified that the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft.
“While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately,” he stated.
On my return from Azerbaijan, I have learnt that some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the Prime Minister.
While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have…Reaffirming his stance on accountability, the prime minister added that “an elected Prime Minister must remain fully accountable, both before the court of law and the people”.
Federal Law Minister said the committee members had been informed of the prime minister’s message, confirming that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had withdrawn the clause relating to immunity for the prime minister.
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Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Aliyev for inviting him to attend Azerbaijan's Victory Day celebrations, which commemorate the country's historic triumph in the 44-day Karabakh Liberation War against Armenia, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.
Extending warm felicitations to the government and people of Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister said the nation's victory stood as a "beacon of hope for all oppressed peoples striving for self-determination," including those in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
The two leaders discussed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and agreed to enhance multi-dimensional cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the areas of politics, trade and investment, energy, connectivity, and defence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also invited President Ilham Aliyev to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, a gesture graciously accepted by the Azerbaijani leader.
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Acknowledging the progress made in the South Caucasus, the Prime Minister lauded President Aliyev's leadership and his signing of the landmark peace agreement with Armenia earlier this year.
President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, thanked Pakistan for its unwavering support during Azerbaijan's just struggle to liberate the Karabakh region. He also commended Pakistan's constructive role in fostering regional peace and stability in South Asia.