Rawalpindi, August 15, 2026: Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z) chief and Member of the National Assembly Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq has called for the immediate public release of investigation reports into the 1988 Bahawalpur plane crash that killed former president and army chief General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq and several senior military officials.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 38th death anniversary of Gen Zia-ul-Haq and the other victims of the Bahawalpur incident, Ijaz-ul-Haq said the former military ruler had rendered what he described as “unforgettable services” for Pakistan’s survival and Islamic identity.
He cited the enforcement of Islamic laws, Pakistan’s role in the Afghan jihad and efforts that contributed to the country’s nuclear capability among Gen Zia’s major achievements, saying they would remain part of history.
Ijaz-ul-Haq said that 38 years after the Bahawalpur tragedy, questions surrounding the deaths remained unanswered and demanded that all major investigation reports be made public.
He specifically called for the release of the 350-page report prepared by the Pakistan-US joint investigation team, including what he described as 37 particularly significant pages, along with the Justice Shafi-ur-Rehman Commission report and inquiry reports prepared by the Pakistan Army and the Punjab government.
He described the incident as a “massive conspiracy” and alleged that important facts had deliberately been kept from the public.
Ijaz-ul-Haq also announced that a seminar titled “Gen Zia-ul-Haq Shaheed, Salute to Your Greatness” would be held in Rawalpindi on August 17. A special prayer ceremony will also be held at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad to commemorate the victims.
Turning to the country’s current political and security challenges, Ijaz-ul-Haq said Pakistan needed dialogue among all political forces to overcome its crises.
He said negotiations should include the political party of the individual currently in jail, arguing that political bitterness could only be addressed through dialogue and reconciliation.
He also called for a Charter of Economy, saying political forces needed to agree on a framework for economic stability and continuity of national policies.
Ijaz-ul-Haq paid tribute to the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and said the situations in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir required particular attention.
The PML-Z chief said discussions on creating nine provinces had begun during Gen Zia’s era.
He argued that although the 18th Amendment had subsequently transferred significant powers to the provinces, the provinces had not been adequately prepared to assume their expanded responsibilities, contributing to administrative challenges that persist today.
On regional and international developments, Ijaz-ul-Haq praised Iran’s resilience and said its resistance had prevented other Muslim countries from facing a situation similar to Gaza.
He also welcomed the recently signed Makkah Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as a positive step towards greater self-reliance and collective strength among Muslim countries.
He termed US President Donald Trump’s proposal for Pakistan to play a mediating role in efforts to promote peace between Pakistan and India a major diplomatic success for Islamabad.
Concluding his remarks, Ijaz-ul-Haq stressed the importance of improving relations with Afghanistan and said a clear distinction should be maintained between the Afghan mujahideen and the Taliban.
