ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly unanimously passed on Tuesday a resolution calling for safeguarding and strengthening democracy, as the lower house, once again, discussed the ongoing political crisis in the country.
The NA sought commitment from members of Parliament (MPs) to continue their efforts and to keep playing their due role for supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament.
The original draft of the resolution, circulated in the media by the National Assembly secretariat, stated, “We (MPs) promise that we would not let any conspiracy succeed, against constitutional institutions and the Constitution of Pakistan” before being passed it was interestingly watered down to, "We promise to keep playing our role for supremacy of the constitution and constitutional institutions”.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMap), incitiated the move, warning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) that its ‘Azadi’ march in Islamabad on August 14 might slip out of hand as there are ‘some people’ with him “who are ready to do anything”.
“I will not leave this House unless a resolution [in support of democracy] is unanimously passed,” said the perturbed leader, while adding, “I will revolt against the person, whosoever it is, if there is any effort to mutilate the Constitution.”
Later on, Minster for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal moved the resolution which stated, “This house felicitates the nation on the eve of the 68th Independence Day. Pakistan is the first Islamic country which came into being as per vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah through votes. The elected Parliament had been working for supremacy of the constitution and democracy and would continue to do so. We are certain that Pakistan’s stability and progress is attached only with democracy, therefore, we promise to keep playing our role for supremacy of the constitution and constitutional institutions”.
Talking about the marches of the PTI and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Iqbal said that they were actually an attack on “democracy, Constitution and Parliament,” further warning that “this federation would no longer exist if the Constitution is tempered this time around”.
He also suggested that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamat-e-Islami and others who believe in democracy hold rallies in support of democracy.
Although members from the Opposition supported the resolution, PTI MNA Murad Saeed defended his party, saying said the government would be responsible if democracy was derailed. He said that it was the democratic right of the people to hold protest rallies against rigging in the 2013 general elections.
Saeed said that the government was lying to the nation regarding its one-year performance and said the ‘Azadi’ march was a must for real democracy in the country. He also asked the government to remove any hurdles (containers), while labeling the government step undemocratic.
Abdul Sattar Bachani of the PPP said that his party had offered many sacrifices for the revival of democracy in the country, but had not asked its workers to kill former military dictator General Ziaul Haq even after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hung.
“I am surprised one person [Dr Qadri] is declaring himself a martyr and is propagating anarchy in the country,” he said, while referring to Qadri’s speech in Lahore, wherein he asked workers to take action against both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif if something happened to him.
While the PPP leader censured Qadri, he pointed out that the treasury benches did not seem serious to resolve issues amicably.
Lt General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch of the PML-N urged people not to participate in the ‘Azadi’ march or the revolution saying, “I urge mothers not to let their children attend any rally as some people wanted blood in the streets.”
To PTI’s demand of fresh elections, he said, “Imran Khan has no right to take decisions on my behalf (people of Balochistan) or on behalf of Sindh”.
COMMENTS (23)
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The supreme seat of democracy of a nation reposing faith in democracy. It amuse me ???
Democracy is an ideal governance system in an educated society; our democracy could not vacate feudals illegal possesions of dispensary, school buildings in 67 years in the interiors.
@Abdullah: And look who "dear leader" is traveling in the Prado! Aleem Khan is chauffeuring IK to Data Darbar. The most corrupt person in Lahore is chauffeur IK - the video pictures say it all.
Hipocracy knows no ends!!!
It is good that all democratic parties who are part of parliament are in favour of the continuation of system. Major parties like PML-N, PPP, MQM, ANP, JI, PkMap, QWP, JWP are on board. They want the government to complete its term. PTI should consider its stance and should not participate in an exercise which can derail democracy. They are joined by failed parties like PML-Q, PAT, AML etc, who are not prominent. Imran Khan should not close him and his party in a nutshell. It can be harmful for their politics.
They pass resolutions but don't know how to practice it. For them democracy means how to loot the country and they are good at it. Also to them democracy gives them license to kill unarmed political activists. Shahbaz Sharif is still there in spite of ordering to shoot and killed 14 activists and injured 80 at Model Town Lahore. In Democracy the elected leaders suppose to work for the people but in Pakistan's democracy, people are working for these so called leaders. Shame on all them for hoodwinking the citizens of Pakistan.
It's my country " Now or Never "
Good news for all PMLN supporters! our hero Gullu Butt has been released on bail. Thanks to our parliament and their laws, an innocent person like gullu can now walk free again! Thank you parliament!
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attends a National Assembly session...hahaha...that's a first!
Long live Pakistan Long live democracy And i have no doubt that the evil conspirators, agitators and those spreading anarchy will be defeated
Please don't hide behind the word 'Democracy' to protect your own interests. Status quo would never want to change the unfair rules of game that supports rigging, encourages rigging and protects riggers. The rule of games must change to support real democracy that would be foundation for naya Pakistan.
I see N-League trolls having a field day trying to defend their so called democracy. Learn the real meaning of democracy, where people possess the real power not wannabe monarchs. Then come back and reflect on your disgraceful comments about IK (who btw has done more for your forlorn land sitting outside of govt, than your prime minister, sorry Monarch has achieved during his three stints).
@Blithe: Bro, would you say that Shahbaz Sharif was also undermining democracy when he was calling for a long march? If not, why a double standard for PTI?
http://tribune.com.pk/story/60806/pml-n-threatens-long-march-awan-says-go-ahead/
Naturally. No politician wants to be unemployed and admit that as parliamentarian they failed to do their job
when all the thieves unite on one agenda, that's the time to realize you're doing something right. Thank you Imran Khan for exposing these so-called democrats!
I wish the same so called parliament could make some tangible efforts to strengthen, improve governance, and institution building in the country.
ET, is this space reserved for patriots only? At least allow us baghis a say as well!
@Blithe: What about the decision of bailing gullu bhatt? Does that also makes you proud as a pml n supporter?
Modern day invaders trying to hold power in medieval fashions- no compatibility.
Strong Civilian Institutions like Parliament, Judiciary are foundation if Pakistan has to become a modern progressive state. Anyone harming these institutes is a direct threat to Pakistan.
Every Pakistani Patriot wants continuation of democracy... And we are with our govt, our Pak force and with every patriot pakistani... But against All anti state elements..
Pakistan as state and as a democracy is stronger than street thugs like IK and TuQ.
It's moments like these when I feel proud to be a Pakistani. Well done parliment!
Please don't let miscreants like TuQ and IK undermine our democracy and our state .