Govt invites opposition to dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday invited the opposition to the dialogue table to find a way forward in resolving the ongoing issues.

Responding to points raised by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief and President of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the law minister reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue, stressing that tearing documents would not yield any meaningful solution.

The minister disclosed that a draft bill proposing 108 amendments is currently pending before the House Committee on Law and Justice. He urged the opposition to present their suggestions to strengthen the country’s justice system. Tarar noted Achakzai’s harsh remarks about him but said, “My upbringing does not allow me to respond in the same tone.”

Defending the 26th Amendment, he claimed it had reduced court backlogs and strengthened parliamentary oversight in judicial appointments. He invited the opposition to engage constructively. “Tearing up papers won’t resolve anything. Let’s sit together in good faith.”

Earlier, Achakzai had lambasted National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for failing to protect detained members’ rights, demanding a parliamentary committee to investigate alleged violations. “In my opinion, you have lost the moral authority to be called the custodian of this House,” Achakzai said, accusing the Speaker of silence as opposition members were “dragged out of the assembly.” “You made members swear to uphold the Constitution—but which Constitution? You yourself do not uphold that very Constitution,” he added, sparking strong reactions.

Achakzai also warned that military operations like Bajaur risked civil conflict, blaming the federal government for potential fallout. PTI’s Latif Khosa welcomed Tarar’s proposals but criticised recent political developments. Speaker Sadiq informed the House that under Article 64, members absent for over 40 days without leave could lose their seats, citing Sheikh Waqas Akram’s case. PTI’s Aamir Dogar accused the government of political persecution, claiming 10 MNAs were arrested and calling the House “empty of real opposition.”

Sadiq rebutted bias allegations, recalling Mohammad Mian Soomro’s disqualification for similar absenteeism.

Later, PMLN’s Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar moved a resolution to declare Akram’s seat vacant, which Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah said should follow due procedure.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry criticised the PTI for observing “Youm-e-Istehsal Imran” instead of focusing on Kashmir, urging responsibility from both sides.

State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry slammed PTI’s protest plans as politically motivated, accusing the party of exploiting national events like Youm-e-Istehsal to disrupt solidarity. He said PTI’s protest application arrived late with no follow-up, calling their strategy unclear.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif assured the House of facilitating ‘Zaireen’ traveling to Iran and Iraq for ‘Arbaeen’, prioritising safety amid terror threats. He said overland travel was banned, with flights from Quetta authorised, including chartered options.

“All licensed private air carriers have been permitted to provide services,” he said, adding Iran agreed to additional flights during its president’s visit. “The government is fully committed to ensuring safe, comfortable and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims,” Asif concluded.