ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Monday said the process to appoint the opposition leader in the House would start afresh, as the opposition had dug its heels in on appointing Mehmood Khan Achakzai against the vacant slot.
Chief Whip Amir Dogar called on Ayaz to discuss matters related to the appointment of the opposition leader. Dogar presented documents on the withdrawal of cases related to the former opposition leader Umar Ayub from the courts and also reiterated the demand for appointing Achakzai as the opposition leader.
In response, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that all proceedings would be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and the Constitution. He further stated that he would inform the House about this matter in the upcoming session.
The speaker clarified that the process for appointing the opposition leader will be initiated afresh, and reiterated that the rules of the National Assembly regarding the appointment of the opposition leader were clear.
Meanwhile, talking informally to the newsmen in his chamber, Ayaz said four letters had been sent to the chief whip on the matter by National Assembly Secretariat.
In response to the fourth letter, the opposition submitted a certified copy of its decision. He said the constitutional process for the appointment of the opposition leader would commence in the upcoming session, while the signatures of the opposition members would also be verified.
Commenting on parliamentary affairs, the speaker emphasized that he remained fully impartial. He said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was a prudent, visionary, and astute political leader, adding that he would continue to seek guidance from the prime minister on all constitutional and legal matters.
He reaffirmed that the committee system of the National Assembly was fully functional in accordance with the constitutional requirements. Ayaz also stated that his responsibility was limited to facilitation in negotiations and further noted that the opposition had not yet formally approached him to initiate dialogue.
He said on the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, he visited Bangladesh to represent Pakistan and attended the funeral of former prime minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.
The speaker also said that the Bangladeshi people extended an exceptionally warm and cordial welcome to the Pakistani delegation, reflecting deep goodwill and affection. During the visit, the speaker also met with Indian Foreign Minister S. J. Shankar, who personally came to greet him. Ayaz also held a cordial meeting with Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim government.
