K-P Assembly backs Iran-US peace talks

Hails Imran Khan's foreign policy vision

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution supporting the ongoing Iran-US negotiations and peace efforts hosted in Islamabad, while paying rich tributes to former prime minister Imran Khan's proactive foreign policy approach.

The resolution, moved by PTI lawmaker Sher Ali Afridi, described the Islamabad talks as the only viable path to sustainable peace in the region. It praised Imran Khan for consistently advocating a foreign policy framework that strengthened Pakistan's international standing, including convening the OIC summit in Islamabad, highlighting the Kashmir issue on global forums, and facilitating Pakistan's role in the Doha process. The document also lauded the Kartarpur Corridor as a historic initiative.

During the debate, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafiq Jan reiterated that PTI has always placed Pakistan first. He announced that the party postponed a planned rally in Rawalpindi to support the peace process but criticised the government's attitude towards Imran Khan and PTI.

He urged the government to extend the same spirit of dialogue to Afghanistan, noting that tensions with Kabul are directly affecting Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He also raised concerns over the alleged delay in medical treatment for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

PPP lawmaker Ahmad Kundi credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table, securing a ceasefire, and placing Pakistan at the centre of global attention.

The House also passed two other significant pieces of legislation. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam presented the Anti-Beggary Bill 2026, which was referred to the relevant committee for detailed scrutiny before final approval. Additionally, on behalf of the Privileges Committee, Arbab Wasim introduced the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Salaries and Privileges Act (amendment) to update the 1975 law.

The Assembly session witnessed noisy scenes as opposition members repeatedly pointed out the lack of quorum, but the presiding officer ignored their protests and allowed Shafiq Jan, to deliver his speech.

Opposition lawmakers continuously raised the issue of quorum during the proceedings. However, when Shafiq Jan stood to speak, opposition members Shazia Jadoon and Suresh Kumar once again drew attention to the insufficient number of members present. Despite their objections, the Speaker overlooked the point of order and permitted Shafiq Jan to continue his address.

As Shafiq Jan proceeded with his speech, opposition members kept insisting on a headcount. When the presiding officer refused to entertain their demand, several opposition lawmakers stood up in front of the Speaker's dais in protest.

The presiding officer then announced that a headcount would be conducted only after Shafiq Jan completed his speech. Once the address concluded, a count of the members present was carried out, which revealed that the required quorum was not complete.

Consequently, the session was adjourned until April 22.