The opposition members of the National Assembly raised serious concerns and objections on Friday over the role of NA speaker, Senate chairman and Punjab Assembly speaker over supporting the ruling party and being part of the negotiation team which is holding talks with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Azadi March instead of advocating for the supremacy of Parliament and democracy.
The opposition members also raised serious objection over attitude of Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri for not allowing them to discuss the ordinances in the form of bills on Thursday last, which were recklessly approved by the National Assembly. They said such attitude is dangerous for democratic system.
They said chairs of the speakers and chairmen of the Parliament are neutral and very respectable, and the persons who are sitting on them have to proceed carefully and always advocate for their institutions and strengthening the democracy process instead of a political party.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif while pointing to the chair of the Speaker said, "Mr Speaker, a person who was sitting on this chair on Thursday is the same who has been disqualified due to 65,000 bogus votes and he insulted this chair. Now he is hiding behind the stay order. On Thursday, as many as 11 ordinances were approved without any process and discussion. Yesterday, the stay order was 'haram' (forbidden) and today it is halal (right). (Prime Minister Imran Khan) Niazi in the past had said to us that we are hiding behind the stay orders and today they are hiding behind the same.
"The whole House is ashamed on the legislation made on Thursday. It was the black day of our parliamentary history. It does not help democracy. The whole democratic system will be winded up if such attitudes continue. We are bringing vote of no-confidence against the deputy speaker."
While warning the PTI government, Khawaja said the opposition would approach the Supreme Court for a legal interpretation of the Constitution to decide if the government's move to pass bills without holding a debate was in accordance with the law.
He while referring to the offices of the NA speaker and the chairman Senate said, "Mr Speaker you are custodian and advocate of this house and not a party. Mr Speaker, it is demand and need of your chair and office to advocate democracy and supremacy of the Parliament instead of a party. Similarly, the speaker of Punjab Assembly and the chairman of Senate should advocate democracy instead of supporting a party."
Responding immediately at this moment, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said, "I clear you, I am sitting here and follow the Constitution and rules. I played role for Pakistan and democracy. And now, I will play role for the country."
Khawaja Asif said, "We have taken oath not only before the Parliament but also before the God." He said PTI had demanded new elections in the past and now the opposition is demanding fresh election. When the treasury members started making noise in the house, Khawaja said, "The election would be held soon on our demand and we know better than you. The people in power have less information and they will come to know the situation when roof will be collapsed on them."
He said the president violated the Constitution by notifying two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan. "We have the right to move against the president," he said.
The PML-N leader also demanded the PTI to give details of the funds it allegedly received from other countries.
"They [PTI] took money from Indians. There is proof [that] money was taken through offshore companies," he alleged amid protest from members of the treasury benches.
Raja Pervaz Ashrif of PPP regretted on the legislation made on Thursday and said never happened like this in the parliamentary history. He said the legislation should be approved from the Parliament after thorough discussion.
While responding to the opposition members, Federal Minister for Defense Pervez Khattak, once again, invited the JUI-F leadership for dialogue to resolve the issues in an amicable manner.
"I nominated Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Ellahi for facilitation as they are enjoying good relations with the JUI-F leadership," he added.
He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government always advocated for rule of law and strengthening of democracy. He challenged the leadership of JUI-F for fresh election in Ali Amin Gandapur's constituency.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur said he is ready to vacate his seat to contest by-election against JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He also urged Rehman to end his sit-in and contest by-election to prove his popularity.
In his response, JUI-F leader Asad Mahmood, who is also son of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, said he is ready to tender his resignation if Ali Amin Gandapur quits. He said, "At this time we must resign and contest election."
However, Gandapur did not respond to Asad Mahmood's challenge.
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