NA session: PM Sharif stresses unity, defends increment in defence budget due to security challenges

WEB DESK: The National Assembly continues its proceedings on Friday under the chair of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, as lawmakers debate the federal budget in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the session, Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai addresses the House, stating that the Constitution guarantees the right to protest and underscoring the importance of democratic freedoms while speaking on the budget.

PM stresses unity, security challenges and sacrifices

Speaking on the floor of the House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the strength of Pakistan lay in the “unbreakable brotherhood” of its four provinces.

He added that each province contributed to the national fabric and was held in the highest esteem. He noted that while Punjab, due to its population and resources, shouldered a larger share of national responsibilities, all federating units remained equal partners in the state structure.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of protecting every life, stating, “If even one child’s life is saved, that is very important for us.

The Prime Minister highlighted the country’s security situation, saying Pakistan continued to face serious terrorism challenges, particularly in Balochistan, where he alleged organised attacks were being carried out by hostile networks.

He claimed the government possessed credible evidence regarding those backing and financing such groups from behind the scenes to destabilise the country.

Referring to recent casualties among security personnel, he paid tribute to the martyrs and stressed that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

He said securing Pakistan’s borders remained non-negotiable, terming the fencing along the Durand Line a correct, strategic and sovereign decision aimed at curbing cross-border infiltration and terrorism.

He further noted that the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained critical, with civil armed forces and military personnel continuing to make sacrifices on the front lines.

He called on the House to recognise these sacrifices and reiterated the government’s resolve to defend every inch of the country.

Budget debate and opposition stance

Achakzai participated in the ongoing budget discussion, asserting that parliamentary processes must respect constitutional rights.

He stressed that political disagreement should be addressed within the ambit of the Constitution and Parliament, as members from both the treasury and opposition benches continued to exchange views on fiscal proposals.

Claims regarding past mediation efforts

In his remarks, the Opposition Leader also recalled his past political engagements, claiming that he had facilitated contacts between senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

He said he had worked to ease tensions between political rivals through engagement with political leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He further stated that he had previously arranged meetings involving key political figures, including Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, and claimed that he had also brought together representatives of multiple political parties in London on a shared political agenda.

Barrister Gohar urges political equality, calls for easing restrictions

Barrister Gohar on Saturday reiterated his call for political equality, saying that politics should not be conducted over the head of the armed forces and that both the military and the state belonged to the people.

He stressed that political stability was essential for economic progress and questioned why permission to meet what he described as the country’s “most popular leader” was being withheld.

He demanded equal treatment for all political stakeholders and said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier assured that he would look into the matter and respond, but no update had been received so far.

He maintained that removing such restrictions would help the country move forward.