Speaker draws red lines for opposition

ISLAMABAD:

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday made it clear that responsible criticism of the government would be welcomed in the house, but no member would be allowed to cross clearly-defined constitutional and institutional boundaries.

Talking to opposition leaders during a meeting for the issuance of the leader of the opposition's appointment notification, the speaker said the use of abusive or 'below the belt' language would not be tolerated under any circumstances in parliamentary proceedings.

He outlined three non-negotiable red lines, stating that no criticism would be permitted against Pakistan, the armed forces or the judiciary, and warned that microphones would be switched off if any member attempted to speak on these sensitive matters.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Constitution explicitly bars criticism targeting these institutions, adding that while he had always shown tolerance towards criticism directed at himself, there would be no compromise when it came to national and constitutional limits.

Rejecting reports of outside influence, the speaker categorically denied any role of Mian Nawaz Sharif in the appointment of the leader of the opposition, saying that the former prime minister had no connection with the decision-making process.

He said Nawaz Sharif was their leader but had given him a free hand in discharging his duties, stressing that all decisions regarding the appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Opposition Leader were taken solely by the speaker himself.

The opposition delegation that met the speaker included Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Latif Khosa, Jamal Ahsan Khan, Shehram Khan, Shandana Gulzar, Zain Qureshi, Ali Asghar Khan, Malik Anwar Taj and Yousaf Khan.