Washington, NA throw their weight behind Nawaz

NAVEED BUTT & ZAHEER ABBASI

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution, rejecting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek’s (PAT) demands for the resignation of the Prime Minister and dissolution of National Assembly.

The resolution was moved by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

According to this resolution, “this House rejects the unconstitutional demands from certain political parties for the resignation of the Prime Minister and the dissolution of the National Assembly and deplores the extremely derogatory, defamatory and inflammatory language used by leaders and members of these parties in their speeches.

“This House resolves to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the sovereignty of Parliament, which embodies the will and the mandate of the people of Pakistan, and the prevalence of the rule of law. It reiterates its resolve to ensure that the democratic system continues to function and flourish in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.”

Aftab Khan Sherpao said the Constitution and Parliament are supreme and we will not allow anybody to challenge the authority of constitution. He said PTI and PAT should not make the whole country hostage. He said the economy is being adversely affected by PTI and PAT.

He said, “more than 300 members of the Lower House of the Parliament elected the Prime Minister. The demand of Prime Minister’s resignation tantamount to seeking the resignation of the mandate of this House, which is not acceptable.”

He welcomed the dialogue process and said that in democracies; talks always have to play a pivotal role to resolve disputes and issues. He said the outcome of a dialogue process is always a win-win situation. He said we are hopeful democratic system and parliamentary democracy would survive the current upheaval.

Sherpao condemned the “derogatory” language used by PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

Syed Asif Hasnain of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) stated the Parliament is sovereign and that it will determine new parameters in coming days and weeks. He said the current political situation is not a good omen for the country mainly because of the fact that the armed forces are in a decisive war against terrorism for the survival of the country. He expressed the hope that the government would continue pursuing a dialogue process to resolve the current crisis.

Ejaz-ul-Haq of Pakistan Muslim League Zia said that 38 members cannot be allowed to decide the fate of a 342-member house. He said Constitution provides guidance in relation to resolution of problems. He added the government must accept demands that are within the parameters of Constitution and law. He the government has proven through its gestures that it is following a democratic path. He requested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief and Pakistan Awami Tehreek chairman to carry forward the dialogue process within the ambit of law and constitution. Ejaz said the country has become a laughing stock due to prevailing political situation.

Nouman Islam Sheikh of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) said that country’s economy has suffered a loss of Rs 600 billion to Rs 700 billion as a result of protests and sit-ins. According to him, PTI has embarked one path of destruction. He also stated that the ruling party should promote a democratic attitude in its rank and files. He said the federal ministers and other government representative must also show some flexibility and pursue the dialogue process with a view to ending the current political deadlock. He said that the PPP leadership has always rendered sacrifices for democracy.

Tahir Iqbal said women participating in protests are facing great inconvenience and Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri are responsible for their ordeal. He said that present system in the country is on the right track and the governments in the future will transfer their powers through democratic means.

The House would resume proceedings today (Friday) to continue debate on country’s current political situation.