Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has urged political parties across Pakistan to recognize the nation’s efforts in promoting regional peace and stability, irrespective of their political differences. Addressing the National Assembly, Asif emphasized the significant contributions made by the country’s leadership, particularly highlighting the efforts of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in preventing potential confrontations.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Defence Minister expressed regret over remarks made by JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who criticized Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives. Asif clarified that no new defence agreements were being signed in Tehran and reminded the assembly of the existing defence agreements involving Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia.

Asif called for unity during what he described as challenging times, stressing the need for unconditional cooperation on certain national issues. He criticized Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s politics, questioning his decade-long tenure as chairman of the Kashmir Committee and his contributions to the Kashmir cause. He also suggested that Rehman’s recent criticisms were politically motivated due to not being included in the current provincial setup of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, taking the floor, lauded the international recognition Pakistan has gained through its role in regional stability and paid tribute to the security personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s peace and security.

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the opposition’s responsibility in strengthening Parliament, urging them to participate in the Electoral Reforms Committee to address election rigging. He called on the Leader of the Opposition to nominate representatives for the committee.

Additionally, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Rabia Naseem Farooqi, responding to a calling attention notice, assured the assembly of the government’s focus on expanding education and employment opportunities for the youth, citing the establishment of a national digital youth hub.

The National Assembly is scheduled to reconvene at 11 a.m. tomorrow.