Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Afghan Taliban regime to rein in terrorist groups operating from its soil and carrying out terrorist acts inside Pakistan.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, after the passage of 27th constitutional amendment, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the hands of foreign elements are visible in terrorist acts in the federal capital and Wana. He said Pakistan is fully cognizant of the activities of the enemies, emphasizing that they will be delivered a befitting response as was done in the past. He said the terrorist groups including TTP and BLA backed by foreign elements will not be allowed to come in the way of peace, progress and development of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan. He invited the Afghan side to sit with Pakistan with full sincerity, assuring full support, for regional peace and progress.
PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the sacrifices of security forces in the war against terrorism.
As regards the constitutional amendment, the Prime Minister said the parliament has demonstrated national unity and solidarity. He thanked the coalition partners for their valuable contributions and consultations on the amendment.
He mentioned that it was clearly written in the charter of democracy that the federal constitutional court will be established. He said though the opposition has the right to differ, yet the politics of abusive language must come to an end. He emphasized the need for national solidarity and unity in order to take the country forward on the path of economic growth.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said the country's prestige has significantly increased at the world level following our success in Marka-e-Haq.
He said the entire nation appreciated the government's gesture of granting the title of Field Marshal to Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.
He said this title has now been made part of the constitution, underscoring that the nations always accord respect to their heroes.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Khan Afridi and said he had requested the chief justice to ensure that revenue-related cases were resolved swiftly. 'By the grace of Allah, revenue cases have now been decided on merit,' he remarked.
PM Shehbaz Shehbaz further said that the chief justice would continue to head the Supreme Judicial Council, the Judicial Commission, and the Law and Justice Commission.
He emphasised that any measure which weakens the federation, no matter how seemingly beneficial, cannot serve Pakistan's interests. The prime minister added that extensive consultations had taken place on the 27th Amendment, which had now become part of the Constitution.
The house has now been adjourned to meet again today at 4:00 PM.