ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday renewed his call for political dialogue, urging the opposition to work jointly on a “Charter of Democracy” and a “Charter of Economy” to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure long-term economic stability.
Addressing the National Assembly during a budget debate session, the prime minister said he had repeatedly advocated for a national consensus on both democracy and economic reforms.
“I have said more than once that we should move towards a Charter of Economy and a Charter of Democracy,” he told lawmakers, extending another invitation to the opposition for constructive engagement.
The premier stressed that ensuring balanced development across all four provinces was his constitutional responsibility and reaffirmed that provinces had full rights over their resources.
“There is no disagreement on the principle that provinces are entitled to their own resources,” he said.
Referring to the opposition, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Shehbaz said political differences should not overshadow national unity.
“We have no fight with PTI; they are all our brothers,” he remarked, adding that while political visions and ideologies may differ, Pakistan remains the common bond uniting all citizens.
“Politics, vision and ideas may differ, but if Pakistan exists, we all exist,” the prime minister said, emphasizing that sacrifices made for the country should always be valued.
Highlighting development initiatives in Balochistan, Shehbaz said farmers in the province had been provided solar energy systems worth Rs75 billion, while work was progressing on a Rs300 billion highway project linking Gwadar and Chaman.
He said the road was being built to modern highway standards and was part of the federal government’s responsibility towards the province.
The prime minister also recalled that under the 2010 National Finance Commission Award, Balochistan’s share had been increased by 100 percent.
“This is not a favour; I mention it only as a reminder,” he said.
Paying tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, the premier said 22 security personnel had embraced martyrdom just three days earlier while fighting terrorism.
“Our armed forces and law enforcement agencies are fighting terrorists day and night,” he said, noting that officers and soldiers continue to sacrifice their lives for the protection of millions of Pakistanis.
Earlier, opening the budget debate, Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai stressed the need to resolve political disputes through dialogue.
He expressed his willingness to extend unconditional support for political stability and underscored the importance of respecting public mandates.
“I tell Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that mistakes can be corrected,” Achakzai said, urging political leaders to sit together and move the country forward through consensus.
He also called on the government to strengthen parliament, arguing that a stronger legislature would benefit both the country and its citizens.
Criticising the existing financial relationship between the federation and provinces, Achakzai said provinces should receive their rightful share of resources without undue interference.
The opposition leader further urged the government to ease political pressure on PTI leadership.
“Do not be so harsh on the PTI founder; this is not a good practice,” he said.
Achakzai proposed a broader political understanding under which all parties would respect each other’s mandates and refrain from attempts to destabilise elected governments.
“The party that wins elections should be allowed to govern for five years without interference,” he said.
“There is no benefit in putting each other in jail,” Achakzai added, stressing that political dialogue and meetings among leaders should be viewed as a normal democratic process rather than a source of controversy.