- Ayaz Sadiq calls the statements against the forces “unacceptable”.
- The NA speaker does not say he is part of the government or the opposition.
- There is no room for arson, damage to life and property or vandalism.
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday said statements against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces would not be allowed in the House.
The NA speaker made the remarks while speaking to reporters during a visit to the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore, according to a post on NA’s X account.
Sadiq stressed that any statement against the armed forces of Pakistan was “unacceptable” and clarified that only such discussions would be allowed if they fall strictly within the constitutional and legal framework.
The National Assembly Speaker categorically said that anyone who speaks against Pakistan will not be allowed to express his views in the House.
Sadiq said he was neither part of the government nor the opposition, but as president he would carry out his duties impartially in accordance with the Constitution and the NA’s procedural rules.
He further said that while protest was a democratic right of every citizen, it should remain peaceful. There was no room for arson, damage to life and property, or vandalism, he added.
He described the use of sticks and weapons as alarming and said such elements pose a serious threat to the rule of law.
Sadiq said he regularly consulted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who never stopped him from exercising his constitutional authority.
He said that Pakistan’s economy was gradually getting stronger, which was a clear testimony to economic stability.
He noted that Pakistan enjoys strong and cordial relations with key friendly countries including the United States, China, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The NA spokesperson said: “Every country has illegal elements, and combating them is a shared responsibility of both the state and the public in order to steer the country towards development and prosperity.
He said: “The National College of Arts is a prestigious institution of higher learning, which has established a unique identity nationally and internationally.
“He appreciated the creative and research-based work of ANC students and said the young people studying there were a valuable national asset, who were achieving remarkable success in various fields.
