ISLAMABAD: The opposition leader in National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Friday warned the government of countrywide movement and continuing boycott of proceedings of the National Assembly after Eidul Azha if opposition’s demand regarding relief for Imran Khan are not met.
Speaking on floor of the National Assembly, Achakzai said the government would repent on its decision if it continues to mete out same behaviour with the opposition whose lawmakers are not allowed to speak on points of order. He said he had called upon the government in a very soft tone to protect legal rights of the PTI founder about his meetings and his eye treatment.
The opposition leader said that they have been on boycott of the proceedings of the National Assembly as a protest against not allowing meetings with Imran Khan and not shifting him to the hospital of his choice. “What sanctity of the House will be there if the government passes the budget in a matter of two days in absence of the opposition in the House, he said.
Achakzai reminded the government that a strong Parliament and a free media were lifelines of the country. “Please, have mercy on this country. We offer unconditional support,” he said.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said it has been commitment of the opposition that it always wants to strengthen the House and democracy but he said they have not been given space here. “The Islamabad police insulted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and Imran Khan’s sister in the federal capital while meetings with Khan’s sister and Bushra Bibi were not being allowed,” he said.
Another PTI supported parliamentarian, Sibghatullah on a point of order raised issue of abduction of a 10-year old girl from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by dacoits of ‘ Kutcha area.
He said when mother of abducted girl reached Kutcha area with Rs1.5 million as ransom money, she was molested for 10 days and was released with demand of another Rs2 million.
He said that parliamentarians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demand immediate action against culprits involved in the heinous crime of disgracing a woman from the province and recovery of her daughter.
Journalists covering the National Assembly’s proceedings staged walkout from the press gallery against problems being faced by their colleagues in some television channels.
Speaking on floor of the House, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar had already assured media workers of addressing problems. “I once again want to assure them that their grievances regarding removal from jobs and non-payment of salaries will be addressed,” he said.
PPP lawmaker Ms Shazia Marri said that parliamentary reporters have been under protest for non-payment of salaries to employees and removing them from jobs without any notices. “This is matter of human rights and they may be compensated,” he said.
She said that the aggrieved journalists should get support from Parliament.
