ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday once again invited the opposition to engage in dialogue, urging all political parties to work together on a Charter of Economy and a Charter of Democracy to ensure political and economic stability in the country. Addressing a session of the National Assembly, he defended the budget allocation for defence spending, he said that the incidents of terrorism continued in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that security forces and the armed forces were making immense sacrifices in the fight against militancy. He said the nation saluted those sacrifices and warned that any negligence in confronting terrorism would be unacceptable.

Paying tribute to those who had recently lost their lives in the line of duty, Sharif referred to a recent helicopter crash in which several people were martyred, including two Christian brothers. He also noted that 22 soldiers had laid down their lives in defence of the country three days earlier. “Our martyrs are our heroes, and their status is the highest,” he said.

The prime minister said he was formally extending an invitation for talks and was fully prepared for dialogue. He noted that the opposition had repeatedly been asked to join hands with the government in pursuing consensus on key national issues. “All elected representatives from across the country are present in this House, and this House is a home for everyone,” he said, adding that while political differences would remain, Pakistan’s progress and security were a shared responsibility.

Sharif stressed that he did not view the opposition as adversaries. “They are our brothers, and we do not want any kind of confrontation with them,” he said. He urged lawmakers to rise above political divisions and work together in the national interest, saying every member of parliament had a duty to strengthen the country and enhance its standing. He added that no sacrifice would be spared for Pakistan and that any sacrifice made for the nation was invaluable.

Referring to provincial rights and resource distribution, the prime minister said provinces were constitutionally entitled to their share of national resources. He described Balochistan as a vital and beautiful province whose people were known for their courage and dignity. Sharif said Balochistan’s share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award had been increased by 100 per cent to accelerate development in the province.

Highlighting major development initiatives, he said the Gwadar-Chaman Highway project was being built at a cost of more than Rs300 billion and would play an important role in improving connectivity and economic growth in Balochistan. He also referred to government programmes aimed at providing solar-powered tube wells and solar panels to farmers in the province.

Sharif further said balanced development across all provinces remained a top government priority and noted that Punjab and Sindh had contributed resources for the development of Balochistan. He concluded by renewing his appeal to opposition lawmakers to sit with the government in the national interest and help move the country forward.