MNA's arrest draws privilege motion

Asad Qaiser submits privilege motion against the arrest of opposition lawmaker Haji Imtiaz Ahmad Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD:

Former National Assembly speaker and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser on Wednesday submitted a privilege motion against the arrest of opposition lawmaker Haji Imtiaz Ahmad Chaudhry and his non-production in the house, as well as in a standing committee meeting.

Qaiser said that Chaudhry was arrested on July 24 by the Punjab police, Anti-Corruption Department, and other authorities without obtaining prior approval of the National Assembly speaker. He said that arrest was made in violation of Rule 103 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

Besides, he added, despite the issuance of production orders by the speaker Chaudhry was not produced for the National Assembly session, which violated the members' right to participate in parliamentary proceedings and constituted a serious breach of parliamentary norms.

Qaiser also pointed out that Chaudhry was also not produced for a meeting of the Standing Committee on Civil Aviation. He requested the speaker to refer the matter to the house Committee on Privileges for a thorough investigation.