The National Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a fresh resolution, condemning the British government on awarding knighthood to Salman Rushdie and demanded its immediate withdrawal. The issue dominated the budget session in the Lower House, which already had passed a resolution condemning the award on Tuesday.
On a point of order, Dr Farid Paracha of the MMA asked the chair to pass a review resolution stressing the British government to withdraw the knighthood instead of tendering apology to the Muslim Ummah.
Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain asked the parliamentary leaders of all the political parties to vote in favour or against a fresh resolution. When consensus was reached by all the political parties on a fresh resolution, Dr Sher Afgan Khan Niazi, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs announced that the resolution was unanimous. The resolution condemned the British government for awarding knighthood to Salman Rushdie, writer of a blasphemous novel
Meanwhile, harsh words were also exchanged between Ejazul Haq and lawmakers of the Pakistan People Party Parliamentarians over the banners placed at different crossings of the federal capital condemning the PPPP Chairperson for 'favouring blasphemy'.
PPPP members alleged Ejazul Haq for scoring political points by using religious issue like his father, the late President General Ziaul Haq, who they said badly, exploited Islam during his regime. Ejazul Haq denied PPP version saying that it was public resentment on the issue. Ejazul Haq said that since it is a sensitive issue, he would never compromise on the honour and dignity of the last Prophet (PBUH).
"I know the punishment of blasphemy, but tell me what should be the punishment for those who favour the blasphemous acts", he remarked. The PPPP legislators asked the speaker to give ruling for removal of the banners.
Speaker said that it is not his job to ask any political party to place or remove banners, but I could do it if all the political parties agree on the point that no banner should be displayed in Islamabad.
However, on the consensus of all the political parties, Speaker said that no controversial banner would be allowed to in Islamabad and serious action would be taken against those who violate the order.
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