Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
ISLAMABAD:
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq made it clear on Friday that responsible criticism of the government would be welcome in the chamber, but that no member would be allowed to cross clearly defined constitutional and institutional boundaries.
Speaking to opposition leaders during a meeting for the issuance of the opposition leader’s appointment notification, the spokesperson said the use of abusive or “below the belt” language would not be tolerated under any circumstances in parliamentary proceedings.
He outlined three non-negotiable red lines, stating that no criticism of Pakistan, the military or the judiciary would be permitted, and warned that microphones would be turned off if any member attempted to speak on these sensitive issues.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Constitution explicitly prohibits criticism directed at these institutions, adding that while he had always shown tolerance towards criticism directed at himself, there would be no compromise when it came to national and constitutional boundaries.
Rejecting reports of outside influences, the spokesperson categorically denied any role of Mian Nawaz Sharif in the appointment of the opposition leader, stating that the former prime minister had no connection with the decision-making process.
He said Nawaz Sharif was his leader but had given him a free hand to discharge his duties, stressing that all decisions regarding the appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader were taken solely by the president himself.
The opposition delegation that met the speaker included Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Latif Khosa, Jamal Ahsan Khan, Shehram Khan, Shandana Gulzar, Zain Qureshi, Ali Asghar Khan, Malik Anwar Taj and Yousaf Khan.
