Islamabad — A heated National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq took a dramatic turn on Friday when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers staged a walkout in protest against their de-notifications.
The sitting began with PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi raising a quorum objection, but the count confirmed the presence of the required members. Speaker Sadiq termed the move “unfortunate,” noting that the House was grappling with urgent issues like devastating floods and terrorism.
On a motion moved by Syed Naveed Qamar, the House suspended rules to postpone the Question Hour.
PTI’s Objections and Boycott
Addressing the session, Barrister Gohar lashed out at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), accusing it of failing to deliver adequate relief in Buner, where 236 lives were lost. He declared that PTI would boycott the proceedings in protest against what he described as government high-handedness, including the de-notification of its lawmakers.
Speaker, Ministers Respond
Speaker Sadiq responded by pointing out that PTI frequently claimed it was denied the chance to speak, while agencies like NDMA were actively engaged in relief efforts. He urged lawmakers to demonstrate unity during the national crisis.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar dismissed PTI’s move as “politics for the sake of politics,” stressing that the current Assembly remained the only constitutionally recognized forum. He called on PTI to stay in the chamber and represent flood victims instead of walking out.
Adding to the debate, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the government would not permit protests to be disguised as political agendas. Referring to demonstrations by Baloch groups outside the Press Club, he explained that the government had engaged through multiple channels, including human rights activists, but some demands were beyond its control and already before the courts.
He emphasized that the Missing Persons Commission was working on the matter and reaffirmed the government’s readiness for dialogue.
