An unpleasant situation was witnessed in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday, when the NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, while responding to the speech made by Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai, stated categorically that he would not allow anti-Pakistan, anti-Pakistan Army and anti-judiciary speeches in the House.
“Even if it means violating the constitution, I will violate the constitution,” the speaker said.
He went on to say that he was accused of violating the constitution. “Will somebody please tell me, how I violated the constitution?” Sadiq questioned, adding that if any MNA would prefer Afghanistan to Pakistan, he would not allow him to do so. “Similarly, if you speak against the army and judiciary, I will not let you do that.”
The speaker said that NA was the representative of the people of Pakistan, and that he would not tolerate hate speeches in the House.
Responding to points raised by Achakzai, he warned lawmakers against making statements in the House that would not be acceptable outside Parliament, stressing that such remarks would not be allowed in the House.
Chairing the sitting, the Speaker said that some members had made remarks that were against the national interest.
He said criticism of Pakistan, its armed forces, or the judiciary would not be allowed on the floor of the House. “If this is considered a violation of rules, then I will continue to violate them,” he remarked, reiterating that no one would be allowed to speak against national institutions in Parliament.
The Speaker also referred to lengthy speeches made by some lawmakers during the budget debate, noting that even double the allotted time had been consumed, while complaints about insufficient speaking time were regrettable.
He added that members who do not participate in committee work or attend committee meetings should not later question parliamentary procedures, saying committees are the proper forum for detailed legislative discussion.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said some members of the opposition appeared confused about their political stance and objectives, but reiterated that whenever it comes to Pakistan, the House must remain united.
The lawmakers belonging to the Opposition parties staged a walkout which was preceded by a speech by NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who had criticised the government over several issues.
The opposition leader’s speech was not livestreamed on the NA’s social media platforms or on television channels, even after Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday lifted longstanding curbs on the airing and dissemination of opposition members’ speeches.
Later, Achakzai posted on X: “We have taken an oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have supported undemocratic forces in trampling the Constitution; through your vote, you have clipped the wings of the judiciary.”
According to Achakzai, this excerpt was from his address in the National Assembly, which was “censored”.
