Bilawal urges Achakzai to use ‘authority’ delegated by Imran, asks opposition to play role in Parliament

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), called upon National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai to utilize the authority delegated by former PTI leader Imran Khan to engage opposition members in Parliament committees and address critical national matters. This plea was made during a National Assembly session chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa.

Bilawal emphasized the importance of strengthening Parliament through collective decision-making on significant issues, stating that the collective power of the people of Pakistan lies within the Parliament.

Bilawal also criticized the opposition's decision to abstain from committee proceedings, arguing that it has weakened the Parliament. He urged Achakzai to employ the power and authority delegated by Imran Khan to nominate representatives to committees and submit names to the speaker's office. Specifically, Bilawal requested the opposition leader to participate in a committee on electoral reforms, a decision made by the Parliament under a PPP motion.

The PPP chief stressed that participation in the committee is a vital step towards restoring Parliament's respect and authority. He questioned the purpose of the electoral reforms committee if the opposition did not contribute to its proceedings. Bilawal further urged the opposition to participate in discussions on terrorism, economic and security issues, and other concerns, particularly in the context of evolving geopolitical situations and the closure of key maritime routes.

The PPP chairman also called for briefings from the foreign, interior, and defence ministers on the challenges facing Pakistan, including the ongoing war in Iran. He emphasized the importance of informing all members of the House about the potential threats and the steps being taken to address them. Bilawal further extended an olive branch to the opposition parties, inviting them to engage with the federal government, which he believed could lead to the reversal of the governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.