ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday felicitated the nation and the members of the National Assembly on the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority, terming it a historic step towards strengthening democracy and national unity.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the prime minister thanked all political parties for demonstrating national integrity and consensus on the amendment, saying that the dream of establishing constitutional courts had been fulfilled after 19 years.
He expressed gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari, President Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Khalid Magsi, Aimal Wali Khan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the law minister, and all members of the House and the relevant parliamentary committees for their support in the passage of the bill.
Shehbaz Sharif said the establishment of the constitutional court was the peak of democracy, adding that the Chief Justice of Pakistan would continue to lead the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, the Supreme Judicial Council, and the Law and Justice Commission. He said the government would continue to seek guidance from the top judiciary in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
Paying tribute to late Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the prime minister said his services to the party, academia, and national discourse would always be remembered. “He was among the most loyal companions of Mian Nawaz Sharif, and his academic insight will remain a beacon of light for future generations,” he added.
He prayed for the grant of eternal peace to late Irfan Siddiqui and for strength and courage to his family members to bear the loss with patience.
Referring to the recent terror attacks, the prime minister strongly condemned the attack on Cadet College Wana, likening it to the tragic Army Public School incident. He lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for safely rescuing all students and eliminating the terrorists involved.
He also condemned the terror attack in Islamabad targeting the Judicial Complex, which claimed 12 precious lives including lawyers, and prayed for the eternal peace of the martyrs and the speedy recovery of the injured.
The prime minister said it was evident that elements from India and Afghanistan were involved in these terrorist incidents. “We have presented undeniable proof of Indian involvement in the Jaffar Express attack before the world, and no one challenged those facts,” he said, adding that the Khawarij terrorists would receive a befitting response from Pakistan’s security forces.
Shehbaz Sharif said that peace talks had been held in Doha and Istanbul with the Afghan interim government with the sole condition that it curb the BLA and other terrorist groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan. “We desire peace and stability in the region and expect Afghanistan to make sincere commitments to support Pakistan’s peace efforts,” he emphasized.
The prime minister also highlighted the government’s recent diplomatic and defence successes, saying Pakistan’s victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” war against India in February and the government’s bold decisions had enhanced the country’s image globally.
He said the nation hailed the conferring of the title of Field Marshal on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir following that victory, saying that the post of Field Marshal was now being made part of the Constitution alongside other service chiefs, which they fully deserve.
Reiterating his commitment to strengthening the federation, the prime minister said he stood by all measures that empowered the federation and provinces, and opposed anything that weakened national unity.
He said the security forces were at the forefront of the war against terrorism, sacrificing their lives for the peace and security of the nation.
On the issues related to the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award, the prime minister said he would hold consultations with the PPP and other political parties to build consensus for addressing these critical national matters.
“We have to move forward together for the development and prosperity of Pakistan,” the prime minister said. –Agencies
