PML-N, JUI-F, PTI, call for Defence Minister to resign over 'ill-informed' comments
PML-N and JUI-F stage walkouts, boycott Senate proceedings on Monday.
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), the Jamiat Ulema Islam -Fazal (JUI-F) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) called for the resignation of Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar on Monday for issuing a controversial and irresponsible statement regarding the reopening of Nato supply routes.
Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar on Sunday had hinted at mounting pressure on the government to reopen the supply routes. He told reporters in Lahore that Pakistan could face economic sanctions if it did not unplug the routes.
On Monday, the PML-N’s Raja Zafarul Haq, speaking on a point of order in the Upper House of the Parliament, demanded that the Defence Minister resign, claiming that it is against the spirit of resolution of the Parliament and recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on the National Security. PML-N members then boycotted Monday’s proceedings of the House in protest of the statement by the Defence Minister.
The JUI-F also staged a token walkout in Senate on this issue. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor termed the Defence Minister’s statement as an insult to the Parliament. “He must quit the office of Defence Minister,” JUI-F senator Haidiry added.
Ill-informed Defene Minister should quit: PTI
Chiding the Defence Minister for his “irresponsible” statements, the PTI called for him to resign. “This assertion [statement] was absolutely incorrect and the Defence Minister needs to educate himself on international law,” an official statement issued by PTI Central Secretariat on Monday read.
“It is dangerous to have an ill-informed Defence Minister who chooses to make statements without getting proper information first,” added the statement signed by PTI Senior Vice President Dr Shireen Mazari.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), the Jamiat Ulema Islam -Fazal (JUI-F) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) called for the resignation of Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar on Monday for issuing a controversial and irresponsible statement regarding the reopening of Nato supply routes.
Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar on Sunday had hinted at mounting pressure on the government to reopen the supply routes. He told reporters in Lahore that Pakistan could face economic sanctions if it did not unplug the routes.
On Monday, the PML-N’s Raja Zafarul Haq, speaking on a point of order in the Upper House of the Parliament, demanded that the Defence Minister resign, claiming that it is against the spirit of resolution of the Parliament and recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on the National Security. PML-N members then boycotted Monday’s proceedings of the House in protest of the statement by the Defence Minister.
The JUI-F also staged a token walkout in Senate on this issue. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor termed the Defence Minister’s statement as an insult to the Parliament. “He must quit the office of Defence Minister,” JUI-F senator Haidiry added.
Ill-informed Defene Minister should quit: PTI
Chiding the Defence Minister for his “irresponsible” statements, the PTI called for him to resign. “This assertion [statement] was absolutely incorrect and the Defence Minister needs to educate himself on international law,” an official statement issued by PTI Central Secretariat on Monday read.
“It is dangerous to have an ill-informed Defence Minister who chooses to make statements without getting proper information first,” added the statement signed by PTI Senior Vice President Dr Shireen Mazari.