Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shibli Faraz, on Monday expressed strong reservations over the exclusion of opposition members from official foreign delegations, terming it a unilateral approach on a matter of national significance.
Speaking during a session of the Senate chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedal Nasar, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader said it was unfortunate that the government-formed committee on a national issue did not include a single opposition member. “This is a matter that affects the entire country, and yet the opposition has been completely sidelined,” he said.
Faraz added that the government’s initiative to form delegations for diplomatic engagement was commendable in principle, but its execution lacked political inclusiveness. “Not a single member from the largest opposition party has been included in the committee. This is narrow-mindedness on the part of the government,” he stated.
He said that in response, PTI would send its own delegations abroad to present Pakistan’s stance at the international level, even if it meant bearing the expenses independently. “The government must ensure that our members are not placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) when they travel abroad to defend national interests,” Faraz cautioned.
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Citing examples from India, Faraz said even members of the opposition Congress Party had been included in parliamentary committees, adding that this reflected political maturity and unity in matters of national concern.
He urged the government to adopt a more inclusive approach, stressing that national unity was essential in the wake of India’s recent actions. “The Indian attack brought the entire nation together, which was a positive sign. That spirit of unity must be preserved,” he said.
In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that foreign delegations formed by the government typically comprise government representatives only. He acknowledged, however, that the opposition had the democratic right to express dissent. “The issue of parliamentary delegations is under consideration by the National Assembly Speaker and Senate Chairman,” he added.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Nasar also offered his support, stating that his office remained available to help resolve the matter and ensure broader consultation on future delegations.
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