NAVEED BUTT

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser issued show cause notices to three members of the National Assembly (MNAs), Syed Naveed Qamar (PPPP), Ch Hamid Hameed (PML-N), and Attaullah (PTI), who caused commotion during the session of the House last Thursday.

According to the sources, the speaker has directed all three members to submit their replies within a week.

The speaker took this decision while chairing a meeting to probe into the unpleasant incident that happened on 4th February, 2021 during the session of the National Assembly.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, Secretary National Assembly, Advisor to Speaker on legal and Constitutional Affairs, and other senior officers of the Secretariat were present in the meeting.

It was decided in the meeting to issue letter under Rule 21 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly 2007 to MNAs, Syed Naveed Qamar of PPP, Ch Hamid Hameed of the PML-N, and Attaullah of the PTI.

According to Rule 21, “Suspension of member.- (1) The Speaker may, if he deems it necessary, name a member who disregards the authority of the Speaker or abuses these rules by consistently and wilfully obstructing the business of the Assembly. (2) If a member is so named by the speaker, he shall forthwith put the question that the member (naming him) be suspended from the service of the Assembly for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session: Provided that the Assembly may, at any time, on a motion made, resolve that such suspension be terminated.

(3) A member suspended under this rule shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the Assembly.”

The sources said that the speaker says that he will not allow the sanctity of the House to be violated under any circumstances.

Action will be taken against those who spoil the atmosphere of the House, they said.