PML-N lawmaker calls for political consensus

Says Pakistan needs institutional cooperation to move forward

MUZAFFARABAD:

With political polarisation continuing to pose a challenge to effective governance, PML-N lawmaker Sehrish Qamar on Wednesday called for a national consensus among political forces and state institutions, urging them to put aside personal and partisan differences and work within the constitutional framework to address Pakistan's economic, political and governance challenges.

Speaking to a group of journalists in Muzaffarabad, Sehrish said Pakistan needed political stability and institutional cooperation to move forward, stressing that national priorities should take precedence over individual ambitions and party interests.

She said the country could not afford prolonged confrontation at a time when economic stability, employment generation, public services and opportunities for young people required sustained attention and coherent policymaking.

Sehrish, who has been elected to a reserved seat for women in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly for the second consecutive term, said differences of opinion were an essential feature of democracy but should be managed through dialogue and constitutional institutions.

"Pakistan's strength is not the success of any individual, party or institution, but the collective success of 250 million people," she said.

She said the country needed to move beyond personality-driven politics and focus on strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the Constitution and addressing the issues confronting ordinary citizens.

"Today, Pakistan needs unity instead of division, dialogue instead of confrontation, and hope instead of despair," she said.

The PML-N leader stressed that political differences should be resolved through democratic mechanisms rather than confrontation, saying a stable political environment was essential for economic growth, investment and long-term development.

She also highlighted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's political role, saying he had contributed to Pakistan's development, democratic process and efforts to address public issues.

The lawmaker also acknowledged the constitutional responsibilities of institutions entrusted with national defence and security, emphasising the importance of coordination among state institutions in safeguarding national interests.

She said economic stability should remain at the centre of national policymaking, with particular emphasis on employment opportunities for young people and improved access to basic public services.

"Pakistan's youth need opportunities, not prolonged political uncertainty," she said, stressing that sustainable economic growth required consistent policies, effective governance and institutional stability.

On Kashmir, Sehris said the issue remained a national priority for Pakistan and that the country continued to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of the right to self-determination.

She said the people of AJK also needed greater opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and investment, adding that economic development was essential for improving living standards in the region.

Referring to the newly formed PML-N government in AJK, Sehrish noted that the administration would take practical measures to improve public welfare and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

She said the government's development agenda would require political stability, effective administration and coordinated efforts among relevant stakeholders.

She called on political parties, state institutions, the media, civil society and citizens to contribute to creating a more stable democratic environment.

The PML-N lawmaker stressed that Pakistan's challenges could not be addressed through confrontation or isolated institutional efforts and required collective action based on dialogue, constitutionalism and national interest.