LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has praised all political parties for speaking with one voice in support of national defence and security.

In a carefully worded statement issued after his meeting with the party Senator Irfan Siddiqui at his Jati Umra residence on Friday, the elder Sharif said: “It is highly commendable that all political parties in the parliament have spoken with one voice in support of national defence and security. The collective stance by the parliamentarians will promote national unity and foster a sense of solidarity among the public.”

He also hailed the unanimously-adopted resolution in the parliament expressing commitment to the defence of the country.

“Difference of opinion is the beauty of democracy. However, setting aside all differences for the noble cause of national defence is a commendable tradition,” he said.

Fazl says Modi trying to sustain his political relevance through ‘warmongering’

This is the first statement of Mr Sharif since the Pahalgam incident that created tensions between the two countries, with India indulging in warmongering.

Earlier, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar had asked Nawaz Sharif to give a befitting reply to India after it threatened imposition of war on Pakistan.

PTI’s Moonis Elahi also questioned the elder Sharif for keeping a mum over Indian aggression against Pakistan after the Pahalgam incident.

‘Modi’s warmongering’

Meanwhile, in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Moqaddami, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that Narendra Modi was trying to sustain his political relevance in the region through warmongering.

The JUI-F chief discussed regional developments with Iranian ambassador during the meeting, held at the Iranian embassy.

The two sides also discussed the prevailing political situation in Pakistan, as well as the recent escalation in tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

The Maulana remarked that Indian prime minister is trying to sustain his political relevance in the region through warmongering. He emphasised that Pakistan has the full capability to respond to any aggression.

On the occasion, the JUI-F chief expressed deep sorrow and regret over the recent blast in the Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, offering his condolences to the people and government of Iran.

Ambassador Moqaddami extended a formal invitation to the JUI-F chief to visit Iran, which was accepted.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2025