Islamabad: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah, earlier today termed the withdrawal of motions to de-seat Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers a victory of democracy and the Parliament.
Speaking on the floor of the House after political representatives of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) withdrew their motions, the opposition leader said that the act of withdrawing the motions had not only given protection to the PTI but also their voters.
“There is no win or loss for anyone. This is the victory of democracy and the Parliament,” Shah told the parliamentarians today.”On behalf of the opposition, I want to thank leaders of both parties for withdrawing their respective motions on the request of the government and the opposition.” “We believe that, regardless of who makes a mistake, those voters should not be punished whose representative are not here,” he said, referring to PTI MNAs who had decided to stay away from Parliament until the matter of the de-seating motions was resolved.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman said they always adopted the path of negotiations to resolve the issues. He said they withdrew their motion on the appeal of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and after the resolution for the supremacy of the Parliament was passed. He said, “We have to move forward together for progress of the country and strengthening of democracy”.
Dr Farooq Sattar said the withdrawal of motions after the passage of resolution will stabilize democracy in the country. He said this decision will establish supremacy of the Parliament which could only be achieved if the the government pays attention towards human rights violations and impartial monitoring system.
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique thanked the JUI-F, MQM, Leader of the Opposition and parliamentary leadership for considering the request of the Prime Minister for withdrawal of motions and finding a way of reconciliation for strengthening of democracy. He also appreciated the role of the Speaker in this regard. He described the negotiations of the Speaker with MQM Chief Altaf Hussain as important. He urged the MQM to disown militant elements in their party. Furthermore Khawaja Saad Rafique said that they would welcome PTI members in the House for playing their due role as elected representatives.
Shaikh Rashid Ahmad termed the withdrawal of motions as a bold decision.  Sahibzada Tariqullah congratulated the Prime Minister and the Speaker for resolving this issue.
Minister for Climate Change Mushahidullah Khan, Ghazi Gulab Jamal, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Ijazul Haq, also spoke on the occasion and lauded the Speaker for ending the issue in a good manner. They described today’s resolution passed by the House as historical and urged all the elected representatives including those of PTI to come to the House and work together irrespective of party affiliations for strengthening the Parliament.
