Speaker ignores NA to meet prime minister

Published November 11, 2015
According to a statement issued by the PM’s Office, the speaker was discussing “matters pertaining to parliamentary affairs” with the PM.—DawnNews screengrab
According to a statement issued by the PM’s Office, the speaker was discussing “matters pertaining to parliamentary affairs” with the PM.—DawnNews screengrab

ISLAMABAD: Instead of supervising the proceedings of the house that had elected him only a day earlier, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chose instead to call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at his office, leaving the lower house of parliament in the hands of the deputy speaker yet again.

Murtaza Javed Abbasi had been presiding over National Assembly proceedings in Mr Sadiq’s absence, and he remained in the chair all through Tuesday as well.

The speaker meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the PM’s Office, was discussing “matters pertaining to parliamentary affairs” with the PM.

Also read: PTI emerges as main opposition during speaker’s election

Mr Sadiq’s absence from the session drew the ire of PkMAP chief and government ally, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who was also furious at the empty chairs in the front rows, which are meant for federal ministers.

“If the Senate chairman across the hall can run the house in an orderly and efficient manner, why can’t the National Assembly speaker do the same? [Delays in the] beginning of National Assembly proceedings have become routine, rendering this house completely redundant.”


Achakzai assails govt for not discussing key defence, foreign policy issues in parliament


On Tuesday, the National Assembly was scheduled to commence proceedings at 10.30am, but they began closer to 11am.

The PkMAP chief praised Raza Rabbani and said the deputy speaker could learn a few things from him. “If the speaker is unable to start the house on time and ensure the presence of ministers, I will not attend the session of the National Assembly.”

Mr Achakzai didn’t stop there and took the federal government to task for bypassing parliament over important issues. “The country is witnessing a dangerous situation; there are reports of Daesh’s presence in the region. What’s happening in Afghanistan and Syria where Russia has involved itself militarily? The PM recently visited America and now the army chief is set to embark upon a trip to the US. All this is happening, but nobody is coming here and taking the house into confidence.”

If the government wants to run its defence and foreign policies through hand-picked advisers, then what’s the use of this parliament, he asked. “Do we come here just to draw salaries,” Mr Achakzai asked, rhetorically.

He also criticised the government’s economic policies.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2015

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...