Forced resignations being sought: PTI's Asad Qaiser

Government denies harassment, passes legislative bills in National Assembly.

Listen to article

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, has stated that he is being pressured to resign and was informed that the current Speaker had been briefed about accepting his resignation once submitted.

His remarks came during a session of the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, where Qaiser criticised the ongoing situation, alleging harassment of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs).

Asad Qaiser questioned under which law MNAs were being subjected to harassment, stating that members felt threatened by the “establishment government” and administration.

He further claimed that raids were being conducted on the homes of PTI members in Punjab and warned that if resignations were forced, the assembly would not be able to function. He also criticised the lack of progress by a special committee formed to address such concerns.

Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, in response to Qaiser’s remarks, dismissed the allegations, stating that if harassment was indeed occurring, PTI should bring a Privilege Motion.

He accused PTI of previously acting like “Mussolini and Hitler” when they held power in Punjab. Hussain added that while Qaiser is a “good man,” he is being misled.

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi also addressed the House, expressing concern over the political situation and accusing PTI members of fueling divisions within the country.

Abbasi remarked that Pakistan was passing through a “critical period” and warned against playing into the hands of enemies through language or provincialism.

Referring to past incidents, he criticized PTI for abandoning workers and attacking state institutions. He added that if any Pakhtun individual was wrongfully detained in Rawalpindi, he would take responsibility.

Abbasi further accused PTI of spreading false rumors about the deaths of workers and insisted that ongoing cases involving the party’s leadership must reach their “logical conclusion” to ensure stability in the country.

Legislative developments

The session also witnessed significant legislative activity, with several bills presented and passed by the House.

1. National Assembly Secretariat Employees Amendment Bill 2024:
   The bill, jointly presented by Syed Naveed Qamar, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Syed Aminul Haq, and Syed Abrar Ali Shah, was passed by a majority vote. The bill stipulates that all posts up to Grade 15 must be advertised before appointments, and a comprehensive policy will be formulated for deputation-based appointments.

2. Civil Servants Employment Protection Bill 2024:
   PPP member Syed Khursheed Shah presented the bill, which was referred to the Law and Justice Committee for further review. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar noted that the bill contained several complex provisions requiring detailed examination.

3. Westminster University of Emerging Science and Technology Bill 2024:
   PML-N’s Hanif Abbasi introduced the bill, emphasizing the need for innovation in science and technology education. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq acknowledged the federal government’s role in establishing universities within Islamabad but noted that provinces retain autonomy in such matters. The bill was referred to the relevant committee for further deliberation.

4. Nippon Institute for Advanced Studies Bill 2024:
   Zahra Wadood Fatemi presented the bill in its committee-approved form, which was passed by the House. An amendment introduced by Agha Rafiullah was also approved.

5. PEMRA Ordinance 2002 Amendment Bill:
   Presented by Asia Naz Tanoli, the bill was referred to the Standing Committee for review.

6. Drug Testing in Educational Institutions Bill 2024:
   Asia Naz Tanoli also introduced this bill but later withdrew it. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar opposed the proposal, arguing that mandatory drug testing of students would send the wrong message and violate fundamental rights.

7. Environmental Accountability Bill 2024 and Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bill 2024:
   Both bills, introduced by PPP’s Sharmila Farooqui, were referred to the relevant standing committees for further review.

8. Nursing Council Admission Delay:
   Nuzhat Sadiq raised a notice highlighting delays of over a year in new admissions by the Nursing Council. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed displeasure at the absence of the relevant federal minister or parliamentary secretary. In response, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazir Tarar assured the House that he would address the matter if the parliamentary secretary remained unavailable.