If 2018 election was legitimate, current govt must also be considered legitimate: PM

• Premier Shehbaz says if 2018 polls are deemed fair, current setup must also be accepted as legitimate

• Urges opposition to begin electoral inquiry from 2018 general elections

• Terms Iran–US MoU a historic step toward lasting global peace

• Says Pakistan played mediator role as Bürgenstock talks produce breakthrough

• Hails 60-day technical dialogue framework and ceasefire progress

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday defended the legitimacy of his government, comparing it with the previous PTI government and saying that if the 2018 general elections were considered legitimate, then the current government should also be regarded as legitimate. He urged the opposition that if it was serious about inquiries, the process should begin from the 2018 polls.

Rejecting opposition claims questioning the legitimacy of his government, the prime minister told the National Assembly that if the 2018 elections were accepted as fair, then the present government must also be seen as legitimate.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the National Assembly Session (23 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/X0fspwhltd

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

“Conduct an inquiry into the 2018 election. If there was no manipulation, if ballot boxes were not stuffed, and if people were not brought to Islamabad by force and no threats were issued, then take a look at the 2018 election. If that was a legitimate government, then this is also a legitimate government. And if you are so keen on investigations, then let us start from 2018. If the matter is opened, it will go very far,” the prime minister said while addressing the House during the debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27.

The prime minister was responding to remarks by Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had earlier termed the government “illegal” and accused it of undermining democratic institutions. Achakzai had delivered a wide-ranging speech criticising the government’s political and constitutional conduct.

Responding to the criticism, PM Shehbaz said the sitting was not meant for divisive political debate and rejected several of Achakzai’s assertions as contrary to facts. He also denied claims that development was being pursued at the expense of smaller provinces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States would evolve into a long-term agreement following 60 days of technical-level dialogue, helping ensure peace and stability across the world.… pic.twitter.com/GaDbWMB8PR

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

“I have always maintained that if Punjab progresses alone, that is not Pakistan’s progress. If Sindh progresses alone, that is not Pakistan’s progress,” he said. “Until all four provinces are equal partners in development, it cannot be called Pakistan’s development.”

IRAN–US MOU WILL LEAD TO LASTING AGREEMENT, PROMOTE GLOBAL PEACE

During his address, the prime minister expressed confidence that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States would evolve into a long-term agreement following 60 days of technical-level dialogue, contributing to global peace and stability.

He congratulated the nation on what he termed a historic development, saying the MoU had been signed between Iran and the United States, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.

“It is a historic moment that Pakistan signed the MoU as a mediator between Iran and the United States,” he remarked.

The prime minister informed the House that leadership from both countries had participated in a high-level committee meeting in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, a couple of days earlier. He said Pakistan had made sincere efforts to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation, which resulted in a joint statement.

He said a ceasefire between Iran and the United States had come into effect and that technical-level talks would continue over the next 60 days.

Congratulating the nation, Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan’s role in securing the truce as historic, adding that it had received wide recognition in international media.

“The respect Pakistan has earned around the world through this achievement could not have been bought even by spending billions,” he said.

IRANIAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT

Referring to the upcoming visit of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the prime minister said discussions would be held on expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

He reiterated that all four provinces had contributed to the development of Balochistan, terming it a matter of satisfaction. He also restated his longstanding view that sustainable national development is not possible unless all provinces progress equally.

OPPOSITION CRITICISM AND PARLIAMENTARY CONCERNS

Speaking in the House, Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai said the government’s tenure was nearing two and a half years and that “it is time to change our tone.” He criticised the Speaker’s conduct of proceedings, alleging procedural actions that led to the expulsion of 14 members from the Assembly.

He further said prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore were all above 70 years of age, and criticised sentences handed down to political figures. He alleged that undemocratic governments had been supported in undermining the Constitution.

Achakzai said Pakistan consisted of Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, questioning why certain regions were not being fully recognised in the federation. He said all parliamentarians had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and accused the government of weakening judicial independence through parliamentary decisions.

He urged the government to engage political stakeholders across the country, particularly in Balochistan, and said Parliament should remain the central forum of democratic authority.

HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO PPP LEADERS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Amjad Hussain on his election as Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.

In a statement, he also felicitated Imran Nadeem Shigri on his election as Speaker and Malik Kifayatur Rehman as Deputy Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

He praised the political leadership for ensuring elections were held in a peaceful and positive environment, saying the process reflected public trust and marked a victory for democratic and parliamentary values.

The prime minister expressed hope that the newly elected leadership would work for the progress, development, and prosperity of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.