In Pakistan, though, everything moves opposite to internationally accepted norms and practices
LAHORE: The word shame is too small to condemn the National Assembly proceedings on January 26, in which virtually the so-called honourable members exchanged not only abusive language against each other but physically assaulted each other. Our lawmakers drawing huge salaries at the cost of taxpayers’ money have, once again, proven that they are worse than an illiterate man on the streets with only one interest: to fool the people — the very people who voted for them to become ‘honourable’ members of Parliament. The scuffle on the floor of the house showed the real face of their honour and dignity.
The world media once published headlines confirming that Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world — not only is it dangerous, but also the most intolerant and illiterate nation on the face of the globe. Our lawmakers are not even aware of the parliamentary history of Pakistan, how in 1954 in Dhaka, then East Pakistan, the deputy speaker of the constituent assembly was killed when the house was in session, and what followed. People lost hope and confidence in the civil leadership; chaos, confusion and disorder became the order of the day, which finally ended in the form of a long military rule in 1958. The battle on floor of the house was a replica of a wrestling fight on a stage.
All over the world with parliamentary systems of government, leaders of the house consider it their first duty and obligation to grace the house by his or her physical presence. The same goes for leaders of opposition parties. In Pakistan, though, everything moves opposite to internationally accepted norms and practices. Our prime minister hardly finds time to attend the proceeding of the house. Had the PM and Imran Khan been present in house proceedings on the Panama leaks, members from both sides would have restrained from going to the level of physically assaulting each other. When members find their leaders attaching no value and respect for the house, they feel free to behave in a manner we witnessed.
The speaker of the assembly should take appropriate measures against members who made us ashamed in front of the whole world. He must suspend their membership, stop their salaries and privileges and prove to the world that he is an unbiased speaker for whom the honour of the house is higher than his own likes or dislikes.
Aamir Aqil
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2017.
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