PTI urges speaker to notify opp leader

Group of lawmakers submitted application, bearing signatures of 74 MNAs

ISLAMABAD:

A delegation, led by PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, on Thursday met with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to press for the appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as leader of the opposition in the NA.

The speaker, however, told the delegation, also comprising Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar, and Atif Khan, that the matter was sub judice and that he could initiate the process once he received an order of the court, said party sources.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Barrister Gohar said the PTI had already submitted a requisition for the opposition leader's slot in accordance with parliamentary rules.

"The position belongs to those who sit on the opposition benches," he said. "Since we have the majority—with 74 members' signatures—the position should go to us."

The PTI leader said his party would try to obtain a copy of the Supreme Court's order and deliver it to the speaker's office by Monday to expedite the process.

According to sources, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq urged PTI to play a constructive role in parliament, saying that political and democratic forces must move forward through dialogue and mutual consultation.

He said he was ready to play his role in improving relations between the government and the opposition, and called on lawmakers to "advance the legislative process effectively and positively in the national interest."

Opposition parties in the NA, led by the PTI, moved on October 21 a formal request, nominating PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the leader of opposition.

A group of lawmakers submitted the application, bearing signatures of 74 MNAs. Three PTI members could not sign the application as they were abroad.

The position was earlier held by PTI's Omar Ayub, who was de-notified after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified him as lawmakers in view of his conviction in May 9 rioting cases in July and August of this year.

Constitutional amendment

Commenting on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendments, Gohar said Article 243, which pertains to the armed forces, had been amended before and would be discussed again once a new draft is presented.

He stressed that any constitutional change "should be made through consensus, not just by a simple majority," as the Constitution represents the entire nation.

Gohar said the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award guaranteed that provincial shares would not be reduced, adding that strengthening the federation required adherence to this principle.

He also criticized the recent police action at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, terming it "unwarranted." He said that if warrants were to be served, "it should be done through a court bailiff, not by sending police to such an important office."

No rule of law

Separately speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser said cases being registered in courts on political grounds and at the administration's direction were damaging the credibility of the judiciary.

"Justice has vanished from the country, and there is no law left. The failure to implement the larger bench's decision regarding the meeting with the PTI founder raises serious questions," he added.

He said it is necessary for the courts to perform their fundamental duties. "We expect all political forces, judges, and civil society to stand up for the supremacy of the Constitution. This is a question of Pakistan's future," he added.