ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Tuesday said the current regional situation requires national unity and responsible political conduct.
Responding to points raised by members in the National Assembly, the minister said Pakistan’s foreign policy is guided by its national interest.
He said decisions are taken according to the country’s priorities rather than to satisfy any other state.
The minister said the regional situation is serious, but regretted that the matter is being politicised in the House.
Referring to India’s aggression in May, Dr Tariq Fazal said Pakistan gave a strong response and the entire nation stood united during that difficult time.
He urged political leaders to avoid politicising the issue and refrain from making divisive statements.
The minister said Pakistan remains committed to its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and will continue to fulfil its obligations.
He added that the people of Pakistan are ready to make every sacrifice for the defence of the Haramain Sharifain.
Dr Tariq Fazal said Pakistan condemned the attack on Iran and the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. At the same time, he said drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries were also condemnable.
He said members from both treasury and opposition benches were given equal opportunity to speak on the regional situation in the National Assembly.
The minister said that on the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a delegation led by Rana Sanaullah visited the opposition chamber to invite them to attend an in-camera briefing on the security situation.
Dr Tariq Fazal said security institutions came to Parliament to brief lawmakers, but the opposition chose to boycott the session.
“It was an open invitation so that they could receive the briefing and give suggestions in shaping a strategy,” he said, adding that criticism after refusing to attend the briefing was unjustified.
He said the government remains ready to take the opposition into confidence and urged them to act responsibly in the national interest. According to the minister, the country now needs the same unity shown during the tensions with India.
He also said elections in Pakistan are often followed by objections, but the government does not want to engage in divisive politics. However, he questioned critics for showing any statement by the PTI founder condemning Israel.
Highlighting austerity measures introduced under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the minister said federal cabinet members have voluntarily decided to forgo two months of their salaries.
He said that the government has also taken steps to save energy, including increasing weekly holidays to three days and reducing fuel use in government departments by half.
The minister expressed hope that the nation would support these measures and once again show unity to overcome the challenges facing the country.