ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) on Friday witnessed another rowdy day as the House echoed with thumbing of desks and slogans from members of the opposition parties, who also tore copies of the gas bills and surrounded the desk of the Speaker.
During the speech of the Minister for Communication Murad Saeed, the members from the opposition and treasury benches exchanged harsh words. “Not we, rather your father may be a thief,” former deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi without using mike said while responding to the remarks of the minister against his party’s leadership.
The PML-N member was advised by another PTI member Saifur Rehman to shut his mouth. Meanwhile, the opposition members, while tearing copies of gas bills, surrounded the dais of the Speaker when deputy speaker Qasim Suri was chairing the proceedings and then they walked out. The protesting members were also carrying placards inscribed with slogans against increase in gas tariff.
Meantime, PPP member Naz Baloch pointed out lack of quorum causing suspension of proceedings for a few minutes. On resumption, the deputy speaker gave floor to the federal minister and ex-Speaker Dr Fahmida following inaugural speech of Murad Saeed on mini budget debate while the opposition members returned to the House and started their protest in front of Speaker’s dais.
Dr Fahmida Mirza regretting the attitude of the opposition members said such scenes could be seen only during the tenure of dictators saying the protest did not reflect democratic norms. “I have given more sacrifices than any other politician and faced threats for the sake of strengthening of democracy and parliament,” she said.
She said the opposition members have infringed upon the sanctity of the House by surrounding the dais of the Speaker. She said those claiming themselves to be proponents of democratic norms should respect the office of the Speaker.
Fahmida Mirza said the process of accountability will go ahead and the democratic system and parliament will also function. Fahmida Mirza said given the situation on the borders and propaganda campaign by India, it is time that parliament sends a strong and united message to India. She said it is for the first time that there are positive vibes for the country and investment is coming. She said the opposition parties should shun negative course and play a positive role to fully reap the dividends of the investment.
Taking the floor, PML N Leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi demanded that the increase made in gas tariff be withdrawn immediately saying the raise was not justified. “I can prove that there is no justification for increase in gas tariff,” he said.
He said being the custodian of the House, the Speaker should also issue production order of Khawaja Saad Rafique so that he could represent his voters in the House. Earlier, Minister for Communication Murad Saeed regretted the posture of the opposition parties in the House. He said Pakistan is currently faced with many challenges with India resorting to threatening tone against the country. He said the time warrants that all the parties should rise above their differences and give a message of unity. He said all the parties should stand together for the country.
He said the increase in gas and electricity prices is also the result of the flawed policies of the previous governments which left behind a circular debt of Rs1,200 billion. He said Pakistan's image is improving under the leadership of Imran Khan. He said Pakistan prisoners in Saudi Arabia are also returning to the country due to the efforts of Imran Khan.