ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while calling upon all political forces to foster democratic culture, once again invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to sign the Charter of Democracy, emphasising that any necessary improvements could be incorporated into the document.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday after the remarks of the opposition leader, he recalled that both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had agreed to the Charter of Democracy (CoD) while learning from the past to strengthen democracy and parliamentary norms. “Any necessary improvements can be made in the document,” he added.
Khawaja Asif urged all political forces to focus on strengthening institutions and fostering a democratic culture based on tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect. He said the PTI caused the greatest damage to parliamentary system and democratic norms. He called upon political parties to acknowledge past mistakes and work collectively to strengthen democratic traditions and parliamentary institutions. “The political forces need to learn from their past mistakes rather than repeatedly revisiting old political disputes,” the defence minister said.
Referring to recent contacts between the government and the opposition, Khawaja Asif said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other government leaders had reached out to opposition figures to maintain political engagement and dialogue. He said such interactions reflected a healthier democratic environment.
The defence minister also spoke about Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, expressing personal respect for him and his family. He maintained that no political party, whether the PPP or PMLN, could function effectively without internal consultation and democratic processes.
Meanwhile, responding to some remarks of the opposition leader, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution, parliamentary traditions and democratic values. The Speaker stated that he had resigned from the PTI in 1998 and that the resignation letter remains in his possession. He noted that the letter clearly outlined the reasons for his resignation and highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of party members and individuals within the party at that time. Regarding his remarks about Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the speaker stated that his comments had been misrepresented and taken out of context.
Referring to allegations that he had violated the Constitution, Sadiq stated that he had repeatedly asked which constitutional provision had been breached but received no response before the Leader of the Opposition left the House. He informed the House that 67 opposition members took part in the debate and that continuous efforts were made over three days to encourage all the opposition members to attend and participate. Addressing the House, Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai said that judges and political workers who have made sacrifices for democracy are national heroes. He said parliament should pass a resolution in favour of those who gave their lives for democracy. He said Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country; it cannot be made a fifth province, adding that relations with neighbouring countries should be based on mutual respect and equality. He said he himself went to the Supreme Court against Article 58(2)(b) because he believes in the supremacy of Constitution. He said that independent judiciary is essential for Pakistan’s survival and progress, adding that free media is a fundamental requirement of a democratic system.
He said all political forces must work together to move the country forward. He said there were differing opinions within the opposition regarding participation in the budget session, but the majority decided to attend and the opposition played a full and effective role in the budget debate.
