Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser stated that he was being pressured to resign and was informed that the current Speaker was informed of the acceptance of his resignation as soon as it was submitted.
His remarks came during a session of the National Assembly presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, where Qaiser criticized the ongoing situation and alleged harassment of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs).
Asad Qaiser questioned under which law MNAs were subjected to harassment and said members felt threatened by the “establishment government” and the administration.
He further alleged that raids were being carried out on the houses of PTI members in Punjab and warned that if the resignations were forced, the assembly would not be able to function. He also criticized the lack of progress by a special committee set up to address these concerns.
Reacting to Qaiser’s remarks, Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain dismissed the allegation saying that if there was indeed harassment, the PTI should file a privilege motion.
He accused the PTI of earlier behaving like “Mussolini and Hitler” when they were in power in Punjab. Hussain added that while Qaiser is a “good person”, he is being misled.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chairman Hanif Abbasi also spoke in the House where he expressed concern over the political situation and accused PTI members of fomenting divisions in the country.
Abbasi noted that Pakistan was going through a “critical period” and warned against playing into the hands of enemies through language or provincialism.
Referring to past incidents, he criticized the PTI for abandoning workers and attacking state institutions. He added that if any Pakhtun individual was detained in Rawalpindi illegally, he would take responsibility.
Abbasi further accused the PTI of spreading false rumors about the death of workers and insisted that the ongoing cases involving the party leadership must reach their “logical conclusion” to ensure stability in the country.
Development of legislation
The session also saw significant legislative activity, with several bills introduced and passed by the House.
Amendment to the 2024 Act on Employees of the Secretariat of the National Assembly:
The bill, jointly introduced by Syed Naveed Qamar, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Syed Aminul Haq and Syed Abrar Ali Shah, was passed by a majority vote. The bill stipulates that all posts up to class 15 must be advertised before appointment and a comprehensive policy will be formulated for appointment on deputation basis.
Civil Servant Employment Protection Act of 2024:
PPP member Syed Khursheed Shah introduced the bill, which was referred to the Law and Justice Committee for further scrutiny. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar noted that the bill contains several complex provisions that require detailed scrutiny.
Westminster University of Emerging Science and Technology Bill 2024:
PML-N’s Hanif Abbasi introduced the bill and highlighted the need for innovation in science and technology education. Spokesman Ayaz Sadiq acknowledged the federal government’s role in establishing universities in Islamabad, but noted that provinces retain autonomy in these matters. The bill was referred to the relevant committee for further consideration.
Nippon Institute for Advanced Studies Bill 2024:
Zahra Wadood Fatemi introduced the bill in its committee-approved form, which was passed by the House. An amendment moved by Agha Rafiullah was also approved.
Draft Amendment to PEMRA Ordinance 2002:
The bill, introduced by Asia Naz Tanoli, was referred to the Standing Committee for review.
Drug Testing in Educational Institutions Bill 2024:
Asia Naz Tanoli also introduced this bill but later withdrew it. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar opposed the proposal, arguing that mandatory drug testing of students would send the wrong message and violate fundamental rights.
Environmental Liability Bill 2024 and Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill 2024:
Both bills, introduced by PPP’s Sharmila Farooqui, were referred to the respective standing committees for further consideration.
Delay in Nursing Board Admission:
Nuzhat Sadiq raised an alert noting more than a year’s delay in the recruitment of new staff by the Nursing Council. Spokesman Ayaz Sadiq expressed displeasure at the absence of a relevant federal minister or parliamentary secretary. In response, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazir Tarar assured the House that he would look into the matter if the Parliamentary Secretary remained unavailable.
