In the face of perceived conspiracies, a covert PPP-PML-N pact.
ISLAMABAD: PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and a PPP delegation held separate meetings with National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Monday, requesting him to issue production orders for their party leaders. They were given assurance that the requests were being considered and a decision would be taken as per law.
Shehbaz demanded production orders for incarcerated party leaders, i.e. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Rana Sanaullah and Khawaja Saad Rafique.
He said representing their voters was a right of lawmakers, and the issuance of production orders would also ensure smooth functioning of the house.
The PPP delegation also made a formal request for party co-chairman Asif Zardari’s production order.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, party leader Shazia Marri said the NA speaker wanted to run the session without a hitch, which could only be made possible if it was attended by all members.
Legal consultation was not needed to issue production orders, she said, adding that the speaker said he had some limitations. “The custodian of the house should be above all limitations,” Marri said. “We have not demanded something which is beyond his control.”
The PPP lawmaker from Sanghar said that the opposition had also raised the issue in the NA’s House Business Advisory Committee, and the speaker had assured he was considering their pleas.
The development comes a week after Qaiser had said his decisions on production orders would be in accordance with the law and rules.
Speaking to reporters, Qaiser said he had always tried to play a mediatory role between the treasury and opposition members in the lower house of parliament.
“I am always cautious while making decisions. I won’t take a step that could be challenged in a court,” he had maintained.
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