ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, reaffirming his role as custodian of the house, assured the opposition of his full cooperation in facilitating negotiations with the government.
The speaker emphasized that dialogue is the only way to resolve political differences, expressing his readiness to act as a bridge between the government and the opposition. Despite the offer, the opposition staged a walkout and left the house.
The invitation was extended during the National Assembly session when opposition member Asad Qaiser raised the issue of opposition’s privileges. He also announced a walkout, along with other opposition members, to protest the alleged breach of privilege of PTI parliamentarians who were not allowed to meet party founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Constitution, law, parliamentary traditions and rules apply equally to all, and their adherence is essential for strengthening democracy. Referring to the arrest of Indian Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, the speaker said that even in that case, no “production orders” were issued. He stressed that no forum is greater than the National Assembly and Senate, which he described as a “grand jirga,” urging all political forces to work together to strengthen parliament.
The National Assembly proceedings were marked by several key developments. Former Speaker Asad Qaiser raised concerns about the privilege of MNAs, specifically regarding meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala jail, where PTI leaders and parliamentarians face difficulties meeting Khan. Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized dialogue as the solution, suggesting members from both sides meet to resolve issues. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq proposed a meeting between government and opposition members to address concerns and urged opposition members not to boycott the proceedings.
Asad Qaiser also expressed concern about his private member’s bill allowing decisions of military courts to be challenged in high courts not being on the agenda, prompting the Speaker to direct it to be included on the next private members’ day. PTI’s Sardar Latif Khosa raised the issue of increased Supreme Court review appeal fees. PPP member Abdul Qadir Patel reminded PTI of their own record on production orders during their government tenure, advising the current government not to give importance to PTI’s demands
Opposition member Shahid Khattak, on a point of order, said that the people of the tribal areas would not accept any new military operation. The speaker directed Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to attend the House and respond to the member’s concerns.
Meanwhile, Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on floor of the National Assembly said the National Commission for Minorities Bill, 2025 will not have any overriding affect on the Anti-Qadianiat Ordinance, 1984. Responding to concerns of an opposition member, the minister said the government was ready to sit with the opposition members and Ulema to address their concerns with regard to the National Commission for Minorities Bill, 2025. The opposition member Ali Muhammad Khan on a point of order said the National Commission for Minorities Bill, 2025 has an overriding clause and on becoming an Act of the Parliament, it would also render the Anti-Qadianiat Ordinance, 1984 particularly its clause 295-C as dysfunctional. Minister for Law and Justice said that provisions of the bill will have no effect on any law like Anti-Qadianiat Ordinance, 1984. The minister said that under the Constitution and law, Qadianis could not preach their faith. He pointed out that the National Commission for Minorities would not have any powers with regard to criminal cases.
In a related development, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry categorically dismissed media reports regarding the demolition of a mosque, clarifying that the relocation of a mosque/seminary on Murree Road was carried out with the consent of the seminary’s management. He said “A newly constructed, modern facility—valued at Rs 40 million—was completed in the last week of July to accommodate the relocated seminary.” Earlier, Maulana Abdul Gahfoor Haideri said it was not true that the Imam of Madni Masjid had agreed to the demolition of the mosque.
The House passed five private members bills including the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Amendment Bill, 2025, National Institute of Health Reorganization Amendment Bill, 2025, The Acid and Burn Crime Bill 2024, The Reservation of Special Seats for Deserving Persons in Universities Bill, 2024 and Zakat and Ushr Amendment Bill, 2025.
In a related development, the National Assembly saw the introduction of Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at making unfair eviction of women from their homes a punishable offence. The bill, presented by Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Sharmila Faruqui, proposes that if a husband or any household member forcibly removes a woman from her home without justification, they will face imprisonment ranging from three to six months and a fine of up to Rs200,000.
Meanwhile, PTI parliamentarian, Riaz Fatyana has introduced a private member bill in the National Assembly seeking creation of a new province namely West Punjab, separate from the existing Punjab Province. According to the proposal in form the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the new administrative province shall comprise Faisalabad and Sahiwal divisions.
In another development, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has unanimously elected Syed Agha Rafiullah as its Chairman.