NA adopts resolution against Imran’s anti-state remarks

The National Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution condemning PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s statement in a recent interview against the armed forces as well as Pakistan’s security and nuclear capability.

The resolution, moved by Economic Affairs Minister Ayaz Sadiq, said the house was very well aware of the fact that the armed forces were discharging their responsibilities as per law and the Constitution. It said the armed forces were the guarantors of defending Pakistan’s geographical boundaries.

Members of the Grand Democratic Alliance voiced their opposition to the resolution against the former premier, saying that the names of all those who have so far spoken against the country and the army should also be included in it.

The house acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces for the defence of the country.
It strongly deplored Imran’s statement of breaking Pakistan into three parts and defaming the armed forces of the country for political objectives.

The National Assembly demanded the state to approach the Supreme Court for legal action against Imran as his statement could undermine Pakistan’s security and integrity as well as the atomic programme of the country.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly also passed three bills, which included ‘The State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Bill, 2021’, ‘The Public-Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2021’, and ‘The National Highways Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2021’.

Earlier, responding to a Calling Attention notice moved by Qadir Khan Mandokhail and others, State Minister for Energy Muhammad Hashim Notezai informed the National Assembly that the government was taking steps to complete 3,200 megawatts electricity projects to reduce load-shedding in the country.

He said, unfortunately, the previous government delayed three power projects of 3,200MW which was the main reason behind power outages in the country.

At present, he said, the country was facing current load-shedding due to a shortfall of about 5,000MW. The minister said that to end the load-shedding, the government had started short- and long-term measures.

Three projects of 50MW each would be completed by the end of current year, while several wind and solar projects would be concluded by 2024 to meet the electricity requirements of the country.
Later, the session was adjourned till 4pm on Wednesday.