PM renews dialogue offer to opposition, stresses unity and provincial development

• Premier Shehbaz says democracy strengthened only through talks and consensus

• Reiterates respect for Achakzai, Gohar and opposition leaders

• Calls for charter of democracy and economy amid political differences

• Defends provincial development projects, citing Reko Diq and NFC Award

• Highlights Balochistan uplift projects, solarisation and Gwadar–Chaman road

• Pays tribute to 22 security personnel martyred in helicopter crash

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday once again invited opposition leaders in Parliament to engage in dialogue, stressing that democratic values could only be strengthened through resolution of differences via consultation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the development of all provinces.

The prime minister made the remarks while addressing the National Assembly on Saturday, a day after the federal budget for FY27 was presented.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing the Budget Session of the National Assembly in Islamabad on 13 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/72ONVDLs9F

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 13, 2026

Addressing the lower house, PM Shehbaz recalled that he had repeatedly proposed charters of democracy and economy in the past, but his offers had not been accepted. He said he continued to hold respect for opposition leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Barrister Gohar Khan.

He began his speech by stating that he would not offer a “detailed response” to the criticism raised by Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai at that moment, but would respond “at an appropriate time”.

After the National Assembly proceedings began at 11am, Achakzai spoke at length on the law and order situation in the country and criticised the government’s decision to freeze provincial development allocations, arguing that it would negatively impact health and social sectors.

“I am available. It is never too late to mend,” the prime minister told the opposition benches, reiterating his call for dialogue.

Terming all members of the National Assembly as highly respectable and the legislature as a “house”, PM Shehbaz said: “Each one can have their politics and vision, but one thing this House will always attest to is that we are here if Pakistan is.”

“There is no difference of opinion on this,” he added, noting that provinces had legitimate rights over their financial resources, as highlighted by the opposition leader.

He said their political visions may differ, but the objective must remain to strengthen Pakistan and enhance its standing in the international community.

Referring to provincial resource rights, the prime minister said there was no dispute regarding the entitlements of provinces over their economic resources.

وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے اس عزم کو دہرایا کہ وہ آئین، قانون اور جمہوریت کے فروغ کے لئے اپوزیشن سے بات چیت کے لئے تیار ہیں. وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ دہشت گردی کے خاتمے کے لئے ہماری سکیورٹی فورسز اپنی جانوں کا نذرانہ پیش کررہی ہیں،ہمیں اپنی… pic.twitter.com/FOK1KRs2Fm

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 13, 2026

Citing the Reko Diq agreement, he said it was finalised in consultation with provincial leadership and local communities.

Describing it as a “bright example”, he noted that the historic 2010 NFC Award had increased Balochistan’s share by 100 percent.

He said Punjab had contributed a major share at the time by allocating Rs11 billion annually, while other provinces also participated.

The prime minister said Rs75 billion had been allocated for solarisation in the province, benefiting farmers, while a road project from Gwadar to Chaman worth Rs300 billion was also underway.

He said the road project was not demanded by the opposition leader, but was approved by him as prime minister as part of his responsibility to ensure balanced development across provinces.

“It is the responsibility of my office that all provinces move equally on the path of progress and prosperity,” he said.

Expressing grief over the martyrdom of 22 security personnel in a helicopter crash, the prime minister said two crew members belonged to the Christian community.

He said terrorism in Balochistan was being supported by foreign elements and that Pakistan had evidence of such involvement.

Addressing Achakzai, PM Shehbaz referred to remarks made in the House regarding the armed forces and recalled the sacrifices of 22 personnel martyred in the recent helicopter crash in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting ongoing terrorism in Balochistan, he said such activities were receiving “technical support” from certain external actors.

Referring to the Durand Line, he said it was a matter of opinion but added that it was appropriate for Pakistan’s security and the safety of its people.

“If billions of rupees spent on that 2,000-kilometre line save even one child’s life, then the entire expenditure is justified,” he remarked.

The prime minister also noted the surge in terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and paid tribute to the sacrifices of security forces in defending the country.

“If we do not respect our martyrs, what will the world say? And what will their orphaned children say?” he asked.

Recalling past cordial interactions with Opposition Leader Achakzai, he stressed the need for national unity.

Reiterating his offer for dialogue and a charter of democracy, the prime minister said development projects in Balochistan were undertaken as part of his responsibility as head of government.

He said Balochistan’s share in the Reko Diq project and the 2010 NFC Award had been significantly enhanced, adding that such steps reflected financial and social justice.

“This is not to boast, but to remind that even a house cannot function without justice,” he said.

He also referred to solar energy distribution for farmers and the construction of the Chaman–Gwadar road, describing it as part of a broader effort to promote “brotherhood and equal development.”