Election Legitimacy Debate: PM Shehbaz Sharif Defends Government in National Assembly
The Election Legitimacy Debate dominated proceedings in the National Assembly on Tuesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly defended his government against opposition criticism. Speaking during the debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27, he rejected claims that the current administration lacked legitimacy. He argued that critics should first investigate the 2018 general election before questioning the present government. According to the prime minister, if the 2018 election produced a legitimate government, then the current administration also deserves the same recognition. Therefore, he challenged opponents to examine past electoral controversies before making allegations against his government.
PM Shehbaz Rejects Opposition Allegations
Prime Minister Shehbaz responded directly to remarks made by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Earlier, Achakzai described the government as illegal and accused it of weakening democratic institutions. However, the prime minister said several of those claims did not reflect the facts. He also stressed that Parliament should focus on national progress instead of political divisions.
The premier further rejected suggestions that development efforts favored specific provinces. Instead, he emphasized equal growth for all federating units. He stated that Pakistan can only progress when Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan advance together. In addition, he reaffirmed his commitment to balanced development and national unity.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts Highlighted
During his speech, PM Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements. He said Pakistan played a key role in facilitating talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland. As a result, both sides agreed to a ceasefire and a framework for future negotiations.
The prime minister explained that technical discussions will continue for the next 60 days. These talks will cover issues such as nuclear facilities, ballistic missiles, and frozen assets. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to a lasting agreement and contribute to global peace.
Meanwhile, Achakzai urged the government to engage political stakeholders across the country. He also called for stronger democratic institutions and greater respect for constitutional principles. The debate reflected ongoing political differences while highlighting key national and international issues.
