Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that he will be the last person to compromise on provincial autonomy, emphasizing that a united and empowered federation—including all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir—is essential for Pakistan’s strength and stability, and no compromise will be made on this principle.
Speaking in the National Assembly after the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, the Prime Minister announced that the Chief Justice of Pakistan will continue to head key judicial bodies such as the Judicial Commission and the Supreme Judicial Council. He reiterated the government’s full confidence in the judiciary, emphasizing its commitment to the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution.
Condemning the recent terrorist attacks, the Prime Minister described the incidents at Cadet College Wana and the Islamabad Judicial Complex as national tragedies. Citing the Army Public School (APS) tragedy as a reminder of national resilience, he praised the Pakistan Army’s timely response, which ensured the safe evacuation of students from Wana. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 12 precious lives, including lawyers, in the Islamabad blast.
The Prime Minister accused certain elements from India and Afghanistan of being behind these attacks, stating that irrefutable evidence of India’s involvement in the Jaffar Express bombing has been presented and remains unchallenged. He warned that Pakistan’s security forces will deliver a strong and decisive response to those responsible.
Shehbaz Sharif revealed that talks were held with the interim Afghan government in Doha and Istanbul, where Pakistan clearly demanded that Afghan soil must not be used by terrorist groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for regional peace, while urging Afghanistan to play a constructive and responsible role toward that goal.
Highlighting Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements, the Prime Minister referred to the victory in the February standoff with India as a source of national pride. He congratulated Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir on being elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, calling it a well-deserved recognition of the military’s vital contribution to national security.
In his closing remarks, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his commitment to a strong federation and expressed support for all efforts aimed at empowering both the federal and provincial governments. He vowed that no force seeking to undermine national unity will succeed.
The Prime Minister also underscored the need for political consensus on the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award, pledging to consult with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other political stakeholders. He stressed that collective progress and cooperation are crucial for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. Calling the two-thirds majority approval of the bill a historic milestone, he described the establishment of constitutional courts as a significant step forward.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded by thanking President Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, coalition partners, and opposition members for their support in ensuring the bill’s successful passage.
