Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq made it clear on Friday that any responsible criticism of the government would be welcome in the House, but no MP would be allowed to cross clearly defined constitutional and institutional boundaries.
Addressing opposition leaders at a meeting for issuance of notification of appointment of Leader of Opposition, the speaker said use of abusive or ‘below the belt’ language would not be tolerated in any way in parliamentary proceedings.
He drew three non-negotiable red lines, declaring that no criticism would be allowed against Pakistan, the armed forces or the judiciary, and warned that microphones would be turned off if any member attempted to speak out on these sensitive issues.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Constitution explicitly prohibits criticism aimed at these institutions, adding that although he had always shown tolerance towards criticism directed against himself, there would be no compromise when it came to national and constitutional limits.
Dismissing reports of outside influence, the speaker categorically denied any role of Mian Nawaz Sharif in the appointment of the opposition leader, saying the former prime minister had no connection with the decision-making process.
He said Nawaz Sharif was their leader but had given him carte blanche in discharging his duties, stressing that all decisions regarding the appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader were taken only by the speaker himself.
The opposition delegation that met the speaker included Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Latif Khosa, Jamal Ahsan Khan, Shehram Khan, Shandana Gulzar, Zain Qureshi, Ali Asghar Khan, Malik Anwar Taj and Yousaf Khan.
