Islamabad, June 29, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, constitutional supremacy, parliamentary governance, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and meaningful public participation in decision-making, marking the International Day of Parliamentarism.
In a message issued on the occasion, the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community in celebrating the role of parliaments in promoting democratic governance and ensuring effective representation of the people.
He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees a democratic system of government founded on the principles of representative governance, under which sovereignty belongs to the people and is exercised by their elected representatives as a sacred trust for the service, welfare, and prosperity of the nation.
The prime minister described Parliament as the principal constitutional forum through which the aspirations and concerns of the people are translated into legislation. He said Parliament serves as the institution where laws are enacted, national issues are debated, and oversight is exercised to ensure the prudent utilization and protection of public resources.
Highlighting the progress made by Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy, Shehbaz Sharif said Parliament has strengthened inclusivity by ensuring meaningful representation for women, minorities, smaller provinces, and other historically underrepresented segments of society. He noted that constitutional safeguards, including reserved seats for women and non-Muslim citizens in the National Assembly and Senate, reflect Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive governance.
He further said the Senate, through equal representation of the federating units, reinforces the country’s federal structure and contributes to national cohesion and unity.
The prime minister also underscored the importance of transparency, public accessibility, and modern parliamentary practices, noting that Parliament has taken significant steps to make legislation, parliamentary debates, committee reports, and other official documents readily accessible to citizens, thereby strengthening public engagement and democratic accountability.
Referring to Pakistan’s role on the global stage, he said Parliament continues to play an active role in international parliamentary diplomacy through engagement with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Parliamentary Friendship Groups, and other international forums. These efforts, he said, contribute to the promotion of global peace, dialogue, sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and international cooperation.
Concluding his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for renewed commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution, parliamentary democracy, federalism, inclusivity, the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and public welfare. He said Parliament remains the vital link between the people and the state, ensuring that governance remains responsive to the aspirations, expectations, and collective well-being of the citizens.
