ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Wednesday said the 27th Constitutional Amendment would further improve governance, ensure justice and strengthen institutional balance in the country.
Speaking in the National Assembly, he said: “This country owes existence due to its Constitution, and not because of an individual. Pakistan is our shared responsibility.”
Atta Tarar criticized opposition members for using the parliamentary floor merely for headlines, questioning whether any of them had actually read the 27th Amendment.
He highlighted that many were unaware of the roles of the judiciary and legislature, lamenting the absence of constructive political opposition.
The minister said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) did fail to forward any suggestions for the amendment.
“The opposition could have offered clause-by-clause suggestions,” he said asking whether they had called a meeting of joint opposition to discuss the amendment.
Condemning the tactics to malign country’s institutions, Tarar urged PTI members to move beyond selective memory, recalling the tragic May 9 incident, attacks on the military installations and Radio Pakistan, and the disrespect shown to martyrs’ memorials, calling these events some of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history.
He expressed concern over the trend of making viral videos, featuring selective literary quotes instead of acknowledging significant national achievements. “Parliament is the country’s most important institution, yet the opposition cannot tolerate real lawmaking,” he said.
He blamed opposition leaders of selectively quoting the Constitution and progressive poets like Habib Jalib for political gains and interests.
“They talk about the Constitution and recite Jalib’s poetry about the liberty and freedom,” he said, adding they kept a mum when this sacred document was desecrated in this very House.
As regard Wana Cadet College attack, he said over 500 cadets were safely rescued, and questioned whether any PTI leader or supporter had ever condemned the attack.
“They mourn the death of Lady Annabel Goldsmith but stay silent on the martyrdom of Major Adnan and others who protect this country,” he said.
He criticized PTI’s social media presence, saying it remained active on foreign deaths but silent on domestic terror incidents.
Describing the opposition’s conduct as “cult following” and “blind obedience,” Tarar stressed that Pakistan’s strength lies in its Constitution and Parliament, not in any single leader. “This idea that Pakistan cannot exist without one man is the brutal manifestation of fascism,” he added
Recalling the 2022 incident when Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri dissolved the National Assembly, Tarar said those who now claim to defend democracy were “silent spectators” at the time.
He accused the opposition of hypocrisy, selective morality, and double standards, and said their narrative relied on “selective justice” and “politics of convenience.”
The minister criticized the opposition for violent politics, noting that they talk about reconciliation but refused to express remorse for the May 9 attacks on the state and military installations.
He also highlighted their lack of substantive input on the 27th Amendment, relying instead on slogans and social media theatrics.
“Not a single member, including Shehryar Afridi, presented clause-by-clause suggestions. Their politics revolves around likes and views, not around the Constitution,” he said.
Citing the Charter of Democracy (CoD), Tarar said political progress requires consultation and consensus, both of which the opposition had somehow abandoned.
About Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s speech, he remarked: “It had more about Kabul than Pakistan. It’s a new trend, deliver a speech that makes headlines in Kabul or Delhi, instead of Islamabad.”
Attaullah Tarar highlighted that despite Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) urging overseas Pakistanis not to send remittances, the country did receive $3.4 billion in October alone — an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
He lauded the resilience and commitment of the Pakistani Diaspora, saying their contributions have strengthened the country’s economy and international standing. “Despite repeated warnings and discouragement, overseas Pakistanis continued to send funds, proving their loyalty and dedication to the country,” he said.
Tarar said Pakistan’s current progress and international respect are the results of economic recovery and the courageous leadership of its political and military institutions.
He said that the nation’s strength today comes from a culture of reasoned debate and decisive leadership, recalling past challenges where bold decision-making by national leaders safeguarded the country’s security and dignity in international affairs.
He pointed to Pakistan’s growing international recognition following its strong response to India in May, saying that Pakistanis are now being admired wherever they go.
Tarar also cited recent strategic and economic agreements with Saudi Arabia, including a Mutual Defense Agreement and an Economic Cooperation Framework, noting that Pakistan’s flag was prominently displayed across Riyadh during the Prime Minister’s visit.
“Wherever you go, whether at airports or international venues, Pakistanis are duly recognized with honor and respect,” he said, emphasizing that these developments reflect the country’s enhanced stature on the global stage.
He added that these achievements are a matter of record, demonstrating Pakistan’s growing recognition and influence worldwide.