ISLAMABAD:
Amidst a gruelling political crisis parliament on Friday put its weight behind the government in its standoff with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) which have been camping in the federal capital for the last 36 days. The longest-running joint sitting of parliament was prorogued after unanimously passing a resolution in support of “supremacy of parliament, Constitution, democracy and state institutions”.
“This resolution emphatically reiterates its unequivocal and unwavering resolve to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the democratic system, sanctity of state institutions and the rule of law, which are the pillar of the state as envisaged by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and sovereignty of parliament, which embodies the will and the mandate of the people of Pakistan,” reads the resolution tabled by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the house.
The joint sitting of both houses of parliament, which continued for 17 days, was convened by the government to discuss the debilitating political crisis triggered by the Dharnas of the PTI and PAT. The session saw outpouring of support for the embattled prime minister and scathing criticism of the two protesting parties.
Friday’s resolution strongly condemned the “motives and unconstitutional demands” of those staging sit-ins on the Constitution Avenue in Islamabad. It also condemned the “forcible entry into the Parliament House, state-run PTV and Prime Minister House by workers of PTI, PAT and allied parties”.
“Parliament notes with great concern the incalculable damage caused by the current situation to the nation’s economy and to its international image, reflected inter alia in the cancellation of the visits of important foreign dignities, including the president of China, during whose visit MoUs for $32 billion were to be signed,” states the resolution.
“This situation,” the house regretted, “has diverted attention from the plight of internally displaced persons affected by the hugely important Zarb-e-Azb operation launched by our valiant armed forces and from thousands of persons affected by the recent floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and Punjab.”
PM’s speech
After the house passed the resolution, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif renewed his pledge to uphold the “sanctity of the mandate entrusted to him by 180 million people” and thwart any attempt to overturn the democratic system.
“The unity of democratic forces and the maturity of the people of Pakistan have thwarted the attempt by a handful of protesters to derail the democratic process,” he said.
“Some people have come to the streets with the agenda of creating anarchy and turmoil,” he said. “We will not set any undemocratic and unlawful tradition about democracy… their malicious designs will be buried in these streets forever.”
The prime minister said no civilised nation could afford to send its chief executive packing due to pressure from a handful of people. He added that no ‘long or short march’ would derail the government from upholding democracy.
“This august house does not belong to any party, any individual or group… it is the symbol of Pakistan’s dignity, supremacy of parliament and the rule of law,” the premier asserted. “Any disrespect to this house tantamount to disrespecting the entire nation.”
Nawaz said despite the unjustified protests, the country would continue its march on the path of socio-economic development. “I have no lust for power, but nobody will be allowed to use the axe against democracy,” he said.
Premier Nawaz said even the 200 international observers acknowledged the fairness of the 2013 elections. He said there was no evidence of any organised rigging. “The PTI has been unable to gather any proof of rigging,” he said.
Opposition leader’s speech
Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah said that the joint session has been very fruitful in the prevailing circumstances.
“This act of maturity and unity showed by the political forces was significant in strengthening the democratic system and the rule of law,” he said while speaking on the floor of the house before the resolution was adopted. He added that no one would be allowed to derail democracy. “If you want to come to power or become prime minister, you have to go to the people. This is the only way laid down in the Constitution.”
Referring to PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT leader Dr Tahirul Qadri, Shah claimed that the nation had rejected the way adopted by the two leaders. “In which war, the Prophet (PBUH) had brought women and children and used them as a shield,” Shah said in an apparent reference to the presence of hundreds of women and children in the sit-ins.
Shah said that the joint session has sent out a message that all parliamentary parties were united in protecting the democratic system and the Constitution.
About the opposition Jirga, which has been making frantic effort to broker a deal between the government and the protesting parties, Shah said that it would not meet any second or third tier leader from the PTI and PAT. “The Jirga will discuss the issue face to face with the top leaders of the two parties. Subsequently, it will meet the government and finalise a draft agreement, which have to be accepted for both sides,” he added. “We appeal to the protesting leaders not to indulge in such politics that may harm the system.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2014.
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