26th Amendment to usher in political, economic stability: Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday said the 26th Amendment passed by the parliament by two-thirds majority will prove a milestone for political and economic stability and progress of the country.

Chairing the federal cabinet meeting here, he highlighted the delays faced by the people in legal matters, expressing confidence that the constitutional amendment, envisaging establishment of constitutional benches, will provide them with prompt and easy justice. “The common man will certainly be benefitted and hopefully, their cases will be decided early,” the prime minister said.

He said the constitutional amendment was also an accomplishment of the vision outlined in the Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto in London in 2006. “Accomplishment of the mission is also the evidence of truth and spirit of Charter of Democracy,” he said.

He mentioned that the draft of the constitutional amendment was adopted after extensive deliberations with political leaders, including those in the opposition. Every clause of the draft of amendment was discussed, which was reflective of the entire spirit of consultation.

He thanked the political leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PMLN President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Fazlur Rehman, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and leaders of allied parties. He also thanked the independent members who did not join any party and supported the government in the passage of amendment.

The prime minister commended the Foreign Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Interior, armed forces, law enforcement agencies as well as the CDA over their efforts for the successful conduct of SCO heads of government meeting in the federal capital saying this had further improved the image of Pakistan. “Foreign dignitaries, particularly the prime ministers of China and Russia, praised the arrangements made for the mega event,” he said.

As regards the visit of Chinese premier, the prime minister said it will further strengthen relations between the two friendly countries. Shehbaz also expressed satisfaction over the gradual improvement in the economic situation.

Voicing serious concerns over the relentless Israeli atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon, the prime minister called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed of innocent people. Shehbaz said a comprehensive programme had been developed to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and Lebanon. He also appealed to well-off people to generously donate to the PM relief fund for the oppressed people of Palestine in Lebanon.

The prime minister also expressed his concerns over the increasing polio cases in the country and sought a report from the authorities concerned. He also directed formulation of a comprehensive strategy for prevention of polio.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Human Rights, the cabinet referred the draft of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2024 to its Committee on Legislative Cases. The proposed legislation would help prevent domestic violence in limits of Islamabad Capital Territory.

On the recommendation of Ministry of Federal Education and Vocation Training, the cabinet approved the appointment of Lt. General (retd) Moazzam Ejaz, Engineer Fahim Iqbal and Asim Shaharyar as private members of board of management of the National Vocation and Technical Training. The meeting also approved the appointment of Dr. Shafia Arshad as chairperson of examining body of the National Council for Tib, while Dr. Rizwan Asif, Dr. Attaullah, Muhammad Khurshid Alam, Ikramullah and Moinuddin will be its members.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, the federal cabinet also approved the restructuring of the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan.