If 2018 polls were valid, so is current govt: PM

Says Pak progress depends on equal provincial uplift

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday rejected opposition claims that his government lacked legitimacy, telling the National Assembly that if the 2018 general election was considered legitimate, then the current government should be regarded as legitimate as well.

"Conduct an inquiry into the 2018 election. If there was no manipulation, if ballot boxes were not stuffed, and if people were not brought to Islamabad by force and no threats were issued, then take a look at the 2018 election. If that was a legitimate government, then this is also a legitimate government. And if you are so keen on investigations, then let us start from 2018. If the matter is opened, it will go very far," said PM Shehbaz while addressing the House during debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27.

The prime minister responded to remarks by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had earlier described the government as "illegal" and accused it of undermining democratic institutions. Achakzai had delivered a wide-ranging speech criticising the government's handling of political and constitutional affairs.

Responding to the criticism, Shehbaz said the day was not meant for raising divisive political issues and described several of Achakzai's assertions as contrary to the facts. He rejected suggestions that development was being pursued at the expense of smaller provinces.

"I have always maintained that if Punjab progresses alone, that is not Pakistan's progress. If Sindh progresses alone, that is not Pakistan's progress," he said. "Until all four provinces are equal partners in development, it cannot be called Pakistan's development."

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts, saying an Iran-US understanding had been reached in Switzerland through talks hosted by Pakistan. He said a ceasefire was now in place between the two countries and that technical negotiations would continue over the next 60 days under the memorandum of understanding, with the aim of reaching a permanent agreement.

"Pakistan worked with sincerity and dedication to help bridge the gaps between Iran and the United States," he said.

Achakzai, while speaking, said that the government's tenure was nearing two and a half years and "it is time to change our tone." He criticised the speaker's conduct of the House, saying that despite his experience, he failed to uphold the Constitution and law and "expelled 14 colleagues from the Assembly through procedural manoeuvring."

He said that prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore were all over 70 years old. "Have some fear of God. You have set a record. You have sentenced five people to a total of 286 years in prison. You have supported undemocratic governments in undermining the Constitution."

Achakzai said, "My brother said Pakistan exists, so we exist. Shehbaz said correctly that Pakistan is not in the sky. Pakistan means Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Why do you not consider K-P part of Pakistan? We have all taken an oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have clipped the wings of the judiciary through your votes."

The opposition leader urged the government to engage with political stakeholders across the country, particularly in Balochistan, and said Parliament should serve as the central source of democratic authority.