ISLAMABAD, April 22 (APP): The Nat
ional Assembly on Monday passed a motion aimed at reinstating the membership of Member
s of the Nat
ional Assembly (MNAs) whose po
sitions were suspended during the last sitting on April 19, 2024.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the motion, which was passed by the House.
He referred the proviso of sub-rule 2 of Rule 21 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Nat
ional Assembly 2007, proposing the termination of the suspension of MNAs Jamshed Ahmed Dasti and Muhammad Iqbal Khan, imposed by the NA on April 19, 2024. The motion was successfully adopted by the House.
Earlier, Leader of the Oppo
sition in the Nat
ional Assembly, Omer Ayub, appealed to Speaker Nat
ional Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, to reconsider the decision to suspend the membership of two legislators through a motion and reinstate their membership.
It is noteworthy that Speaker NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, following a motion, on Friday suspended the membership
s of two independent lawmakers, Jamshed Ahmad Khan Dasti and Muhammad Iqbal Khan, for the current NA session due to their use of “abusive language” during the presid
ent217;s parliamentary address.
Oppo
sition leader stated that they had met with the Speaker in his chamber and requested the restoration of membership. During the sitting, MNA Muhammad Amir Dogar also raised the same issue, ur
ging the Chair to reinstate the membership of the two lawmakers. He emphasized that the business advisory committee would deliberate on preventing such situations from arising in the future.
The oppo
sition leader also raised concerns over mistreatment of MNAs by a police officer Muhammad Mushtaq, a few days back, prompting the Deputy Speaker to promise an investigation into the matter.
PPPP lawmaker Naveed Qamar said that the suspension of two members is an extreme measure. He emphasized his experience spanning the 9th Nat
ional Assembly, noting the imperative of continuous improvement in parliamentary performance.
Naveed Qamar stressed that parliament represents both the government and the oppo
sition, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between a robust parliament and a strong oppo
sition, essential for addressing the people’s concerns. While acknowled
ging the right to protest, he emphasized the prioritization of resolving public issues through proper channels.
While acknowled
ging the right to protest, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the importance of conducting protests in a respectful manner, besides emphasizing the oath taken to abide by the constitution and law
s of the country.
Oppo
sition Leader raised another issue and stated that the privilege
s of three MNAs were violated as they were mistreated by policemen during by-election on Sunday. He highlighted the detention of MNA Munawar Manj by police for approximately 12 hours.
Speaker NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq assured a review of their privilege motions. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Oppo
sition leader Omer Ayub alleged rigging in the by-elections. In response, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar pointed out the murder of a PML-N worker in Narowal, emphasizing the need for investigation into such matters.
He suggested that the oppo
sition should seek recourse through the courts or other appropriate forums, as the current platform was not suitable for such discussions.