ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has once again extended an invitation to the opposition for dialogue and a renewed “Charter of Democracy and Charter of Economy,” urging political consensus for national stability.
Speaking in the National Assembly, the prime minister said that 22 security personnel were martyred three days ago, adding that officers and soldiers sacrifice their lives to protect the country and its citizens. He said these sacrifices save millions of families from becoming orphaned.
He stressed the need to honour and respect the sacrifices of martyrs, saying that the children of fallen soldiers often do not even realize their fathers are no longer alive.
Reiterating his call for political dialogue, Shehbaz Sharif said the government is ready to move forward on both the Charter of Democracy and Charter of Economy. “Politics may differ, visions may differ, but Pakistan comes first,” he said.
The prime minister added that ensuring balanced development across all provinces is his responsibility. He said he had repeatedly called for a Charter of Democracy, adding that any sacrifice for Pakistan is never too great.
Responding to concerns over provincial financial rights, he said there was no disagreement on the issue, and cited the example of the Reko Diq project, saying that Balochistan’s share in the agreement is clearly defined and transparent.
He further noted that under the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Balochistan’s share was increased by 100 percent. He described Balochistan as a proud and resource-rich province, adding that Punjab and Sindh have also contributed to its development.
Shehbaz Sharif said farmers in Balochistan have been provided solar panels worth Rs75 billion, while a road from Gwadar to Chaman is being upgraded to highway standards at a cost of Rs300 billion.
