Rein in terrorists, we will support you: PM Shehbaz extends olive branch to Afghanistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a conditional offer to the Afghan Taliban regime, urging them to stop supporting terrorism so that peace can prevail in the region. "Come, let’s sit down with sincere hearts and put an end to terrorism. We will fully support you in establishing peace in the region, so that progress and prosperity can follow," he said during on the assembly floor during the session held to approve the 27th Amendment on Wednesday.

He further stated that negotiations had taken place with the Afghan Taliban regime in Doha and Istanbul, in which Pakistan participated. "We reiterated our long-standing demand to prevent TTP and BLA from operating on its soil." He went on to say, "Our forces face daily battles, with martyrs like major, lieutenant colonel, and soldier sacrificing their lives. Our martyrs say goodbye to their children and protect millions of other children from orphanhood."

PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan desires peace and hopes that Afghanistan will agree to this and join Pakistan in achieving peace equally. "We know what is best for both Pakistan and Afghanistan, and if terrorists are not controlled after all the false and true promises, we will not tolerate it in any form," he said.

He added, "For forty years, we hosted millions of Afghan refugees and never let them feel like strangers. We always treated them as brothers and guests, and this process continued until their return to their homes. Today, the world is witnessing the price we are paying for forty years of hospitality."

'Foreign involvement is evident in recent terror attacks'

PM Shehbaz condemned the terrorist bombing outside the courthouse in Islamabad, which targeted the judicial complex, martyred 12 people and left four in critical condition. “This is a tragic incident. I pray that Allah grants a place in Jannah to the martyrs and full recovery to the injured,” he said.

He also condemned the terrorist attack in Wana, where terrorists, including individuals from Afghanistan, attempted to sow chaos. “The attack brought back painful memories of the APS tragedy, but, by the grace of Allah, there were no casualties,” he said. “All the terrorists were neutralised, and all the cadets, teachers, and students were safely evacuated.”

He expressed gratitude for the swift and professional action of the armed forces, adding, “I congratulate the entire nation on this successful operation. Our forces saved lives through their professionalism.”

The PM stated that foreign involvement is evident in both the recent terror attacks and other incidents of terrorism. "TTP and BLA are active from Afghanistan, and they also have links with India," he said. "When we presented evidence, including the Jaffar Express tragedy, to the world, no one challenged these facts."

"There is clear evidence of their involvement. We are fully aware of the activities of foreign elements. We have given them a strong response before, and we will do so again. We will not allow them to interfere with Pakistan's peace, development, and prosperity," he added.

PM hails allies support for 27th Constitutional Amendment

PM Shehbaz thanked President Asif Zardari, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, and the leaders, members of allied parties for their support in passing the 27th Constitutional Amendment, adding that the establishment of Constitutional Court would bring peace to the soul of the late Benazir Bhutto.

"I would like to thank Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, Secretary of Law, the Speaker, and everyone involved. Extensive consultations were held on this constitutional amendment, and these amendments are now part of our Constitution. The Charter of Democracy clearly called for a Constitutional Court, and after 19 years, this dream has been realised. I am sure Benazir’s soul is at peace today, and Allah has also honoured Nawaz Sharif. The creation of the Constitutional Court marks the pinnacle of the Charter of Democracy," Shehbaz said.

The PM said, "Today, the opposition, after 19 years, has suddenly remembered the constitutional court. Today, it bothers them, but I believe that disagreement is the opposition's right, and we respect it. However, we must put an end to the use of insults and accusations. For the development and prosperity of the country, everyone must work together."

He also paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague, Irfan Siddiqui, who passed away recently. “He was a teacher of teachers, dedicating his life to education, and when he entered politics, he remained loyal to the PML-N and Nawaz Sharif with full responsibility,” he said.

CJ to lead Constitutional Court

PM Shehbaz further thanked Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, who provided full support. "Yahya Afridi is a highly respected Chief Justice, known for his character and outstanding performance. I am grateful for his help, and I thank him through this forum," he said. The PM assured that after the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the chief justice of Pakistan will continue to lead the constitutional court and other institutions.

He further stated that a strong federation requires strong provinces. Pakistan is formed by four units working together, and there is no question of changing the 18th Amendment or the National Finance Commission Award without consultation. 

He said, "I will always stand with anything that strengthens Pakistan and the federation. No matter how good a proposal may be, if it weakens the federation, it is not good for Pakistan. Kala Bagh Dam is a brilliant economic project, but if it weakens the federation, then I am not in favour of it, even if there were 100 Kala Bagh Dams."

The premier also praised Pakistan's armed forces, law enforcement, Rangers, and police for their sacrifices in maintaining peace across the country. "The Pakistan Army responds immediately after any incident. The forces are fighting terrorism and keeping the country safe."

'Foreign leaders step forward to greet after victories'

PM Shehbaz further said that after a great victory against India, heads of states step forward to greet us. “A year and a half ago, I visited a country and received a modest reception, with trivial discussions. But after our success, when I visited again, the scene was indescribable. The same head of state, who once gave a formal greeting, now embraced me," he added.

He said that the respect was granted to him by Allah. This courage, ethics, trust in Allah, praying at dawn, and bravery have resulted in Pakistan receiving respect diplomatically and militarily, something the country hadn’t achieved in decades, he added.

The premier noted that the government’s decision to grant the title of Field Marshal to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was widely appreciated by the nation.

"This has now been incorporated into the Constitution. The position of Field Marshal will not only apply to the army chief but also to the navy and air force heads," he said, adding, "Nations honour their martyrs and heroes, and we know how to give respect to our heroes. We have now made this process a part of the Constitution."

Federal to bear costs of Army, Rangers

PM Shehbaz further mentioned that the federal government bears the costs of the military and Rangers but stated that discussions would take place with the provinces on this issue. "If we cannot reach an agreement, then there is nothing to discuss," he added, referring to the matter of the provinces’ share in the expenditure.

He concluded by saying, "We need to sit down and resolve many issues, such as the collection of customs duties by provinces, which is not mentioned in the Constitution but was addressed through a presidential ordinance. We need to bring together the pain and happiness of the people and work towards resolving these issues."