NA lauds Pakistan’s mediation in US-Iran peace agreement

PM Shehbaz says Pakistan, Iran to enter new era of prosperity, credits Field Marshal Asim Munir for global peace deal

The National Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a resolution recognising Pakistan's efforts in facilitating a peace agreement between the United States. Iran, saying the country's role had established it as a trusted and neutral mediator on the global stage.

The National Assembly (NA) session began under the chairmanship of Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Upon arriving in the House, the prime minister was welcomed by desk-thumping from lawmakers

The resolution, moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, acknowledged what it described as Pakistan's sincere. tireless diplomatic efforts that led to the US-Iran peace agreement.

The House appreciated the role played by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. the entire team involved in the negotiations.

The resolution said the National Assembly noted "with immense satisfaction. pride" the diplomatic breakthrough that resulted in the cessation of hostilities and the signing of an agreement aimed at promoting peace and stability between the United States and Iran.

The House also congratulated the leadership of Iran. the United States on signing what it described as a historic peace agreement.

Pakistan, Iran to enter new era after MoU: PM Shehbaz

Earlier, addressing the parliament, PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that Pakistan. Iran would enter a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.

The premier said Pakistan had earned global recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement. calling it a moment of pride for the nation.

“Pakistan is being acknowledged around the world for helping bring about this peace deal,” the prime minister said. adding that the achievement reflected the country’s growing diplomatic stature.

The prime minister said Pakistan had earned international recognition and urged lawmakers across party lines to support a unanimous resolution.

"If this House passes a unanimous resolution on this matter. it will send a message of unity to the world," he said, adding that political differences should not stand in the way of national interests.

PM Shehbaz said Chief of Defence Forces. Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had played the most crucial role in securing a global peace agreement and had worked tirelessly over the past two to three months.

He also credited Deputy Prime Minister. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their contributions, saying there had been several moments when negotiations appeared close to collapse.

The prime minister congratulated opposition lawmakers as well as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari. former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

PM Shehbaz told parliament that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had telephoned him on Thursday evening to thank Pakistan. had specifically acknowledged Field Marshal Munir's role.

The prime minister said he had invited Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan and that the invitation had been accepted. He added that the Iranian president had invited Pakistan toattend the funeralof Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. that a Pakistani delegation would participate.

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PM Shehbaz further told the NA that a significant reduction in fuel prices would be announced later in the day, adding that oil prices had declined following a ceasefire. expressed hope they would fall further.

"Today. God willing, a significant reduction will be announced," he said, referring to fuel prices due to be revised on Friday.

The premier thanked provincial governments, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, petroleum officials. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for helping manage the economy during difficult circumstances.

He said government efforts had prevented shortages and queues at petrol stations, contrasting the situation with Sri Lanka.

PM Shehbaz later walked to the seats of Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to shake hands with them.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq provided details of participation in the budget debate. saying government members still had two-and-a-half hours of speaking time remaining.

He said 66 opposition lawmakers had taken part in the debate. While nine hours had been allocated to the opposition, its members had spoken for 14 hours. four minutes, exceeding their allotted time by five hours, three minutes and 28 seconds.

The speaker said opposition claims. they were not allowed to speak were contradicted by repeated invitations extended to members to participate in the debate.

Read more:Iran to hold funeral for slain supreme leader on July 4-9

He added that Thursday's sitting had deliberately been extended by half an hour to accommodate additional speeches. that government members had also been invited to speak, but none had done so during the evening session.

Ayaz Sadiq announced that Friday's sitting would be adjourned until Saturday before Juma prayers.

Speaking during the debate, PPP lawmaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said an Iran-US agreement had demonstrated Pakistan's desire for global peace. claimed Pakistan had helped avert a third world war.

He congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Field Marshal Asim Munir and called for government employees' salaries to be increased by 10 per cent, arguing that the proposed seven per cent raise was insufficient.

Ashraf said political stability, improved law. order, poverty reduction and consensus-based policymaking were essential for economic growth and foreign investment.

He also addressed the situation in Azad Jammu. Kashmir (AJK), saying he had served on a government negotiating team that accepted 80 per cent of protesters' demands, while the issue of refugee seats remained unresolved.

According to Ashraf, electricity tariffs were reduced to Rs3 per unit. flour subsidies were granted as part of the negotiations. He called for the formation of another negotiating committee and urged both protesters and authorities to pursue dialogue.

Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai told the House that the day should not be used for political point-scoring. stressed that parliament, the military and national interests belonged to all Pakistanis.

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He called for powers taken away from parliament to be restored and urged the prime minister to make decisions independently. Achakzai also criticised the suspension of lawmaker Iqbal Afridi for the duration of the budget session. appealed for the decision to be reversed. He said his party would provide unconditional support for strengthening parliament and democracy.

Following his remarks, the prime minister crossed the floor. held brief consultations with Achakzai, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb joined the discussions, after which the prime minister called him aside and issued instructions.

Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also met opposition leaders at their seats in the House for consultations.

With additional input from APP

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