Opposition backs govt's peace efforts

ISLAMABAD:

The opposition in the National Assembly on Wednesday offered unconditional support for Pakistan's efforts to ensure regional peace, as the house held a detailed debate following the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches praised Pakistan's diplomatic role and emphasised the need for national unity in the evolving regional situation.

The National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, witnessed comprehensive discussions on the Iran-US ceasefire and the broader regional context.

In his remarks, the speaker termed the ceasefire a historic and proud moment for the entire nation, saying Pakistan's sincere efforts had helped make peace in the Middle East possible.

He added that Pakistan is now being acknowledged globally with respect and appreciation. He also lauded the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the house that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already briefed the cabinet on the regional situation and diplomatic efforts and would attend the session on Thursday (today) to take members into confidence personally.

He described the development as a significant day in Pakistan's history, stating that the country had been honoured on the global stage. He also urged the opposition to defer protests and demonstrate unity on national issues.

PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan said the Muslim world is passing through a critical phase and Pakistan has been entrusted with a leadership role.

He stressed that all political forces must unite in the interest of Pakistan and the wider Muslim Ummah, adding that Pakistan should play the role of a "big brother" in addressing the Iran situation.

Leader of Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai called for all political leadership to sit together and make decisions to move the country forward.

Announcing unconditional support for peace efforts, he said parliament must serve as the forum for policymaking and political differences should be resolved through dialogue.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed the ceasefire and appreciated those who played a role in achieving it, expressing hope that it would lead to lasting peace. He said Pakistan is set to host peace talks and assured full opposition support for the process.

PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat said the opposition has shown a positive gesture and urged the government to create an environment of reconciliation, including the release of political prisoners.

Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf congratulated the government, military leadership and the nation on what he termed a major diplomatic success, saying a coordinated strategy had earned Pakistan global respect at a critical time.

Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal also congratulated the leadership and the nation, saying the Iran crisis had demonstrated that only a strong state structure can effectively manage difficult situations.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that in Pakistan's 78-year history, such a moment of global recognition had not been witnessed before.

He said the diplomatic efforts of the prime minister and military leadership were being widely appreciated internationally, adding that greater national unity in the past could have helped avoid many conflicts.

He expressed hope for the success of the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, urging the Muslim world to protect these gains and remain vigilant against threats to peace in the region.

The defence minister also cautioned against Israel's growing influence globally, stating, "The Israeli influence has spread across Europe, the United States, and the Arab world, and Pakistan now has a significant opportunity to take on a leadership role in opposing it."

Asif reiterated Pakistan's readiness to play a leading role in the Muslim world and urged the Muslim world to recognise that its "true and eternal enemy" is India in South Asia and Israel in the Gulf.

At the conclusion of the session, the National Assembly passed several pieces of legislation, including the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Pakistan Infrastructure Development and Management Assets Bill 2025, and the Air Cargo (Amendment) Bill 2026.

 

Senate

The Senate on Wednesday witnessed a rare display of unity as lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches lauded Pakistan's leadership for its coordinated diplomatic efforts that helped de-escalate tension in the region and steer the situation towards a ceasefire.

Speaking in the House, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the day would be remembered as a "shining moment" in Pakistan's history, as the country earned global recognition for its role in promoting peace.

He said Pakistan's civil and military leadership, through close coordination and continuous engagement with international stakeholders, had played a pivotal role in cooling down the conflict.

He said for over a month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir remained actively engaged at the diplomatic front, maintaining constant contact with regional and global leaders to prevent escalation.

He said Pakistan's efforts were now being acknowledged worldwide, with international media and governments appreciating its role in averting a wider conflict that could have severely impacted global economies and regional stability.

He said that the decision to observe Friday as a "Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving" reflected the nation's gratitude and hope for lasting peace.

The minister said Pakistan had also been given the honour to facilitate upcoming talks, expressing optimism that negotiations expected to begin in Islamabad would lead to a durable and permanent peace in the region.

Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Nasar Khan said the House had demonstrated strong national unity during the sittings, with members from both sides expressing a unified stance on national interests.

He paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the military leadership for their efforts in promoting peace. Lather, the House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday.