PM Shehbaz dares opposition to probe 2018 elections, urges unison ahead of Pezeshkian’s visit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday fired back at the opposition’s “illegitimate government” charge, challenging them to first answer for the 2018 elections remarks directed squarely at the opposition leader, who had walked out of the National Assembly session mid-address. Beginning his speech about Pakistan’s role in the recent US-Iran diplomatic feat in Switzerland, PM Shehbaz soon decided to address the allegations levied by the opposition.

“If they want to settle this once and for all, then investigate the 2018 elections first,” the PM said. “If ballot boxes weren’t stuffed, if votes weren’t hidden, and if people weren’t brought to Islamabad under threat, then call that government legitimate. If that government was legitimate, then this one is too.” He further warned that if the 2024 elections were opened up for scrutiny, “the trail will go very far.”

The sharp exchange unfolded during what was otherwise a triumphant address to the House, in which the PM hailed Pakistan’s role as mediator in the landmark US-Iran nuclear agreement. He said both American and Iranian leadership had travelled to Islamabad for the negotiations, which he described as conducted “with sincerity and great effort.” Talks ran through the day and night, with a joint statement finalised between 2:20am and 3:00am and endorsed by all parties. A MoU has been signed, with a formal long-lasting agreement to follow within 60 days. Discussions on Iran’s nuclear ballistic missiles and frozen assets are included in the deal.

“Every major newspaper and prominent publication has Pakistan’s image on its front page, this is a significant national achievement,” the PM told the House. “If we had spent billions of rupees, we still could not have achieved this. It was earned through diplomacy.” He also reminded that Iranian President Pezeshkian was visiting Pakistan on the same day, saying the brotherly ties between the two countries “will be further consolidated.”

The PM also used the occasion to address what he called a deliberate misrepresentation of his remarks on Balochistan. “What is being claimed today goes against the facts,” he said. He reiterated his long-held position on provincial equity: “Punjab’s progress alone is not Pakistan’s progress, Pakistan cannot advance until all four provinces advance together. This statement of mine has today been given a different, misleading colour.” He added that the NHC had voluntarily increased allocations for Balochistan by 100%, a step taken in coordination with all four provinces.

Noting that today was not the occasion for points of disagreement, the PM said he had knocked on the desk with genuine emotion, expressing hope for national unity, calling it “an immeasurable blessing from Allah.”