The National Assembly on Sunday approved a motion to restore the membership of opposition lawmaker Muhammad Iqbal Khan after his suspension was withdrawn. The motion was moved by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Khan, who sought permission to present it before the House. The motion was subsequently approved.
Speaker Emphasizes Dignity and Rules
Earlier, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated he had no objection to restoring the suspended membership, stressing that his responsibility was to protect the dignity of the House and the rights of its members. He advised Iqbal Afridi to avoid bringing guests without proper passes and to ensure no misbehavior occurs with staff or members. He also urged members to raise quorum points without attempting to halt proceedings or deny other lawmakers their right to speak.
The Speaker further urged members to avoid bringing unauthorized guests into the parliamentary lobbies, noting that these areas are reserved for lawmakers. He warned that action would be taken against any violation of rules, emphasizing that rules and regulations must be followed.
PTI Calls for Live Broadcasting
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan called for live broadcasting of opposition speeches, suggesting at least delayed transmission so their stance could reach the public. He noted that the suspension of an MNA during the budget session, effective since June 11, was the longest of its kind and requested its withdrawal.
Defence Minister Calls for Stricter Enforcement
Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif called for stricter enforcement of parliamentary rules and improved discipline within the House, raising concerns over guest access, gallery conduct, and members' behavior during proceedings. He said members often bring guests in limited numbers, but the practice required clearer regulation and consistent implementation. He suggested that House rules should be displayed prominently on screens to ensure all members, especially newcomers, are aware of procedural guidelines.
Referring to security concerns, Asif noted that the environment inside the Assembly required better control, as visitors were sometimes seen recording videos and taking photographs in a manner that could compromise decorum and security. On the matter of Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, he said any decision regarding his participation lay with the chair, while stressing that behavioral standards for members and their guests must be ensured.
Speaker Issues Directives on Security
The Speaker informed the House that directives had already been issued to the Sergeant-at-Arms to prevent unauthorized entry into lobbies, warning that violators would face action. He reaffirmed that procedural directives regarding security and access would be strictly enforced.
Minister Proposes Separate Lane for Members
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry proposed marking a separate lane, preferably using green indicators, exclusively for National Assembly members to ensure uninterrupted movement of lawmakers' vehicles. He said such an arrangement had been introduced earlier but was not consistently enforced and urged its strict implementation. He also suggested discouraging the practice of allowing accompanying vehicles beyond protocol to ensure discipline and smooth traffic flow.
Law Minister on Parliamentary Dignity
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the dignity of Parliament reflects the dignity of all members, adding that debates should not target the conduct of judges of superior courts. Khawaja Asif further proposed stricter security measures in parliament lodges and urged that unauthorized vehicles and flags not be allowed. Ali Muhammad Khan also called for proper arrangements for visiting guests.
