Speaker withdraws suspension of two MNAs

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Monday withdrew suspension of two PTI-backed members of the House whose membership was suspended for blowing whistle and moving towards dais of the Speaker during president’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar moved a motion under rule 21 (2) of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House for withdrawal of suspension of Jamshed Dasti and Muhammad Iqbal Khan.

Earlier, the chief whip of PTI-backed MNAs Aamir Dogar while requesting the chair to withdraw suspension of two members, offered that two leaders from two sides could sit together for smooth running of the proceedings of the House.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and Aamir Dogar demanded Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq withdraw suspension of the two opposition members. “You have to take members from both sides along so that pleasant atmosphere prevails in the House,” he said.

He admitted some MNAs was indulged in unparliamentary activity during president’s address. “But now we should move forward for smooth proceedings of the House,” he said, adding that the both sides should sit at the Business Advisory Committee meeting of the House in this connection.

Aamir Dogar, however, maintained that protest was right of the opposition members and they would continue the same, terming members of sitting on government benches a product of Form 47.

He said members sitting on treasury benches had also been showing unparliamentary attitude when the PTI was in government but then Speaker Asad Qaisar never took action of suspending them.

PPP’s Syed Naveed Qamar said the opposition would be strong if the Parliament is strong. “Protest is your right but it should be based on issues,” he said. He said that the history of National Assembly was full of protests but things should improve now. He endorsed request of the opposition leaders.

“If the opposition is extending hand to the government for smooth functioning of the House then it should be responded in the same manner,” he said. The Speaker said that he included members from all the parties represented in the House in delegation to call on President of Iran. “We are united when it comes to respect of Pakistan and its friendly countries,” he said.

Earlier, Omar Ayub raised question of privilege of the three members of the House which he alleged that was breached by officers of Punjab Police on eve of bye elections in Gujrat on Sunday.

He wanted to raise question of breach of privilege of himself, Barrister Gohar Khan and Khurram Munj against Returning Officer Tabish Mahmood Butt, District Police Officer Asad Muzaffar, SP Investigation Muhammad Riaz and other officers.

He said that the police officers stopped them and their candidate from proceedings to office of Returning Officer while Khurram Munj MNA was arrested and was kept in police lockup for 12 hours.

He said the police force had surrounded the RO office and they informed that they have been directed that nobody should be allowed inside.

The opposition leader said that they were also told that personnel of intelligence agencies clad in police uniform were surrounding the RO office. “It should be enquired which of five intelligence agencies these people belong to,” he said and alleged that likewise February 08 polls, the bye elections were also highly rigged.

Shazia Marri of the PPP regretted behaviour of the opposition members when Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was taking oath as Member of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling for coordinated efforts to address the global challenge of plastic pollution.

Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar moved the motion on the eve of the World Earth Day, calling for coordinated efforts among citizens, organizations and government entities to tackle the global challenge of plastic pollution.

“The government of Pakistan acknowledged the critical importance of safeguarding the planet, its environment, and ecosystems,” the resolution said.

The resolution highlighted the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on Pakistan’s environment. It said the Ministry of Climate Change recognized the paramount importance of preserving the environment and ecosystems. The resolution called for the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, as highlighted by the theme “Planet Versus Plastic,” and safeguard the planet’s health. The resolution identifies plastic pollution as a significant threat to Pakistan’s environment, wildlife and public health.