Fawad writes to NA speaker over Shehbaz's absence from parliament

The opposition leader's absence is a clear violation of assembly rules, says the federal minister

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Friday said he had written a letter to National Assembly Speak Asad Qaiser over the continued absence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif from parliament.

 

The federal minister said the opposition leader plays an important role in the legislative process and the continued absence is a clear violation of assembly rules.

ان حالات کے مد نظر یا تو شہباز شریف سے اسمبلی میں واپسی کی حتمی تاریخ پوچھی جائے اور یا پھر نئےاپوزیشن لیڈر منتخب کرنے کیلئے پراسسس کا آغاز کیا جائے، کیونکہ قائد حزب اختلاف کا عہدہ لمبا عصہ خالی نہیں رکھا جا سکتا۔ شہباز شریف نواز شریف کو واپس لانے کی گارنٹی دے کر خود ہی غائب ہیں

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 21, 2020

Fawad added that, given the current circumstances, either Shehbaz should be asked the confirmed date of his return or the process to replace him should commence.

The PML-N supremo has been given special privileges, however, the post of leader of the opposition cannot be left vacant, said the minister further in his letter.

He further reminded the house speaker that Shehbaz previously abandoned his designation of the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Although Shehbaz guaranteed the return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, it seems like he is the one missing at present, concluded the federal minister.

Nawaz departed for London late last year in an air ambulance, accompanied by his brother Shehbaz.