Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said government values input from all political parties, particularly the opposition, in shaping country’s future policies amid the prevailing regional situation.
He was speaking in the National Assembly while responding to points raised by members.
The Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited the opposition to an important briefing regarding Afghanistan, Iran, the Gulf countries, and the overall regional situation. He regretted that the opposition did not attend the briefing held at the Prime Minister House today.
He said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch gave a detailed briefing to parliamentarians and the country’s political leadership. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, JUI Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and other leaders of coalition partners presented their valuable input.
Referring to the opposition’s decision to abstain from the briefing, the Minister said the session was organized neither to promote the agenda of any political party nor to benefit anyone individually. He said it was a matter of Pakistan’s security and of evolving a rational policy to move forward while safeguarding the country’s interests under the prevailing circumstances.
He, however, assured the House that political leaders’ input would be incorporated into the formulation of future policies.
The Minister said Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on Iran and martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Commander Ali Khamenei. He said Pakistan talks of de-escalation and urges all countries to reduce tension to restore peace in the region.
Regarding Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, the Minister said it would continue until the Afghan Taliban regime ensures concrete measures against elements using Afghan soil to carry out terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Earlier, the House resumed discussion on the evolving situation in the region, especially attacks on Iran.
Taking part in the discussion, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig said this war, if continues, will certainly bring economic and financial hardships to the global economy. He said Pakistan, along with other friendly and brotherly countries, should play its due role to stop the war.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Iran, Usama Hamza condemned the killing of innocent children in the bombing in Iran. He said the warring powers should demonstrate restraint to save precious human lives.
Ali Muhammad Khan described attack on Iran as assault on the Muslim Ummah. He stressed that Pakistan should play its role in its role in ending hostilities.
Those, who spoke on the occasion include: Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Shahida Rehmani, Dr Farooq Sattar, Iqbal Afridi, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Shabbir Ali Qureshi, andNaeema Kishwar.
The House will now meet tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.
