Asad Qaiser resigns from office amid political chaos

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser announced late Saturday that he is resigning from his post after the country was plunged into political chaos.

The speaker, announcing the development during the crucial  National Assembly session, handed over the session to a member of the panel of chair Ayaz Sadiq, who then took the proceedings of the house further.

“I am liable to the Constitution and the most important demand of the oath is to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan,” said Qaiser in his last speech as speaker.

The former speaker said that the Cabinet has shared the alleged “threat letter” with him and asked the lawmakers to stand for the country’s sovereignty.

Qaiser asked Opposition leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif to review the letter and also shared that he would send the letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

“I can no longer remain on the seat of the speaker and I resign,” said Qaiser. He also shared that he accepts the Supreme Court’s decision and asked former speaker Ayaz Sadiq to run the session.

“Ayaz Sadiq is requested to come and complete the legal procedure [on the no-confidence motion],” said Qaiser.