AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has extended an invitation to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to sign the Charter of Democracy, underscoring the possibility of incorporating necessary improvements into the document. This invitation came during his speech in the National Assembly in response to remarks made by the Opposition Leader. He highlighted the historical agreement between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on the charter, which aimed to strengthen democracy and parliamentary norms after learning from past experiences. Asif criticized the PTI for causing significant harm to the parliamentary system and democratic norms.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Defence Minister also brought attention to the sacrifices made by the people of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), noting their expressions of love and affection for Pakistan despite the challenges they face. He emphasized their commitment and sacrifices for their cause.
In his response to JUI (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks in the National Assembly, Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sana Ullah Khan refuted the notion that no efforts were made to address the AJK situation through dialogue. He detailed the extensive negotiations conducted with the action committee on their thirty-eight demands, highlighting progress on each point. Rana Sana Ullah mentioned the relief measures provided, including adjustments to the electricity tariff, supply of MRI machines to major hospitals, and improvements to the electricity transmission infrastructure. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the development and welfare of AJK’s people.
The Advisor also addressed the demand from the action committee to abolish twelve refugee seats in the AJK legislative assembly, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. He clarified that only the AJK legislative assembly holds the authority to make such decisions.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary assured the House that elections in AJK will proceed as scheduled. He expressed regret over the violence initiated by the action committee and provided evidence suggesting foreign involvement aimed at disrupting peaceful elections. He accused the committee of closing the doors to negotiations.
Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for engagement with the Azad Kashmir government and protestors, advocating for local government elections throughout Pakistan, including Islamabad and Punjab. He also revealed PPP’s intention to form a coalition government in Gilgit Baltistan and conduct local government elections there within ninety days.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb congratulated the House on passing the budget for the next financial year, commending the various ministries and divisions involved in the budget-making process. He highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency by presenting audit reports within the same financial year for the first time in the country’s history.
The Finance Minister also laid several schedules before the House, including the Schedule of Authorized Expenditure for 2026-27, Supplementary Authorized Expenditure for 2024-25 and 2025-26, and Excess Authorized Expenditure for 2016-17 and 2024-25, all introduced under Article 83 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The House passed the Federal Board of Revenue Amendment Bill, 2026, and approved Supplementary Demands for Grants for various ministries and divisions for the years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Following these proceedings, the house was prorogued.