ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan here on Saturday expressed serious concern over Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about state institutions and the government, urging political leadership to exercise restraint, promote national unity and support collective efforts to combat terrorism and address the country’s economic and security challenges.
‘At a time when Pakistan faces serious economic, security, and geopolitical challenges, responsible political leadership demands restraint, maturity and a commitment to national unity,’ the minister wrote on X.
He said, all is known how enemies were plotting against country’s sovereignty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
He said, political differences were an essential part of democracy, and every political leader has the right to question government policies and hold the executive accountable. However, criticism must remain constructive, responsible, and grounded in facts, he added.
‘Statements that undermine national institutions or deepen divisions serve neither democracy nor Pakistan’s national interests,’ he added.
He said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had explained in detail on the floor of the House the steps sought from former Chief Minister Afridi, stressing that the only demand was for cooperation, shared ownership and coordinated efforts by both governments, with the provincial government taking the lead in the fight against terrorism.
He said, the Pakistan Army was a key national institution entrusted with defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
‘Such demeaning statements at times of war and where so many lives are lost, is nothing but selfishness,’ he added.
The minister said, similarly the government must be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities while remaining accountable to the people and the democratic process.
‘Pakistan needs political stability, institutional harmony, and a shared commitment to addressing the challenges facing its people. Political leadership should rise above partisan interests and contribute to strengthening the state rather than creating further uncertainty and confrontation,’ the minister wrote.
He said, Pakistan’s national interest must always take precedence over political expediency, and specially during critical times when we see the region being affected by wars, energy supplies being effected drastically for a country and its people, global economic crises due to instability of connectivity and its inflation.
“We all know these things very clearly and are seeing what is happening. Differences should be resolved through democratic debate, constitutional means, and dialogue-for which the government not only showed its intent but the prime minister again put his hand forward. Not through rhetoric that risks weakening public confidence in the country’s institutions and destabilising our environment,’ he added.
He said Pakistan was playing a key mediating role in one of the most significant international conflicts, earning the trust of the global community, while the opposition, instead of supporting national efforts, was focused on political point-scoring.
‘If Pakistan succeeds in this global negotiation, who will benefit the most. Its gonna be the whole world, the people of these regions who are severely effected, global inflation coming down, supply chains normalising and last but not the least, we all as Pakistani’s,’ he added.
He said the world’s perception of Pakistan had changed significantly, with the country now commanding greater respect internationally. He urged political leaders not to fall into the hands of those who did not want to see Pakistan succeed and prosper, cautioning against pursuing narrow political gains at the expense of the broader national interest.