ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that “sovereignty belongs to the people” and must be exercised through elected representatives, remarks widely read as a firm assertion of parliamentary supremacy amid continuing strains between civilian institutions and other centres of power.
In a message marking the International Day of Parliamentarism also known as World Parliament Day, the prime minister called for adherence to constitutional rule, accountability, and transparency, describing Parliament as the country’s “principal forum” for lawmaking, oversight, and public representation.
The statement comes against a backdrop of persistent debate over civil-military relations and the practical authority of elected bodies, with concerns in political circles over the balance of power between institutions. The prime minister made no direct reference to any institution or ongoing dispute.
He characterised Parliament as a “sacred trust” of the people, responsible for translating public will into legislation and scrutinising state affairs.
Critics, however, argue that parliamentary authority has often been constrained in practice, even as such statements underscore its formal primacy.
Highlighting constitutional provisions, Sharif referred to reserved seats for women and minorities and the Senate’s role in representing the federating units, describing them as key elements of federal cohesion and inclusivity.
He also pointed to efforts to improve transparency through greater public access to parliamentary proceedings, legislative records, and committee work.
The prime minister noted Pakistan’s engagement with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other international forums, saying parliamentary diplomacy was important for cooperation on peace, development and human rights.
He concluded by calling for renewed commitment to constitutional supremacy and institutional integrity, reiterating that Parliament remains the “vital link” between the state and its citizens.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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