ISLAMABAD:The joint sitting of Parliament has adopted two resolutions approving the proclamations of emergency and Governor's Rule issued by the President on the 11th of this month in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The joint session was held at the Parliament House in Islamabad, with Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the chair.
The resolutions were moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
He also laid before the joint sitting two proclamations issued by the President on the 11th of this month regarding the imposition of emergency and Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for joint efforts to combat terrorism, address the grievances of the people, and take practical steps to ensure the fundamental rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said meetings between the PTI founder and his spouse are arranged regularly.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted the constitutional requirement for approval of the proclamations by a joint sitting of the Parliament. He said the National Assembly and the Senate yesterday approved the presidential proclamation of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as per the Constitution.
The Law Minister said the decision of emergency has been taken as a last resort in view of the grave security situation in the province and the provincial government's inability to address the challenge. He regretted that, at a time when the security situation demanded the full attention of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, his focus remained on political mobilization. He also highlighted the funds provided to the province for counterterrorism measures but regretted that the province still has no forensic science laboratory.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam said it is part of the record that PTI, during its tenure in the Center, had softened the stance against terrorists.
He said the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also had a soft corner for the terrorists. He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have welcomed the imposition of emergency in the province.
Amir Muqam said the current arrangement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must continue until peace is completely restored in the province.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal government had made every possible effort to bring the provincial government on board in the fight against terrorism.
Referring to negotiations with the opposition, he said the government had sought collective support for counterterrorism efforts. He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's negotiating team had expressed its willingness to cooperate, but there was a considerable difference between its stated position and the conduct of the provincial government.
Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the government delegation had not walked away from the talks and had waited for hours while the opposition held consultations, without imposing any deadline.
He said the federal government was also extending cooperation to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in addressing its financial difficulties.
The Minister urged opposition members to assess the facts objectively and ensure that political differences did not prevent the country from taking effective measures against terrorism.
He reiterated that the federal government would continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism and expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies would succeed in restoring peace with the support of all relevant institutions.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf called for collective efforts to ensure the country's stability, development and prosperity.
PPP's leader Sherry Rehman emphasized the need for greater unity to fight the menace of terrorism.
Referring to the dialogue held between the government and the opposition, she said the PTI's provincial leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not allow the opposition to reach an agreement with the government regardless of significant progress.
Aimal Wali Khan expressed the hope that the new setup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will deliver peace to the province.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf emphasized that national interest must take precedence over party politics. The Joint Sitting of the Parliament has now been prorogued.