During a tense session, PTI MNA Asad Qaiser criticized Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s manner of addressing National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Speaking in the Lower House, the former NA speaker said, “How he addressed you was unacceptable. I condemn that.”
Qaiser stressed the respect owed to the NA speaker. “Asif has been in the House for years. He should show more tolerance,” he added. He noted Asif’s age, saying, “He is an 80-year-old man. He should have some etiquette.” Qaiser also criticized the government for the tension in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and excessive load-shedding.
The NA speaker responded, “I will maintain the proper attitude towards the treasury and opposition. If I do, the House can function well.”
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar commented on the situation. He said some issues are historical and get exaggerated with overreactions. He praised democracy’s reliance on dialogue and logic. “Nothing good comes from hurling books and whistling,” he stated.
The previous day, the NA saw noisy protests from opposition members. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif counterattacked Opposition Leader Omar Ayub. Ayub accused the military establishment of interfering in politics and the February 8 elections. Frustrated, Asif demanded the NA speaker maintain order and allow him to speak.
Ayub pointed to Constitutional limits for state institutions. He suggested violators be tried for treason under Article 6. Criticizing a recent press conference by the DG of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Ayub said, “Security agencies cannot engage in politics. They are tools of the state, not the state itself.”
Asif called for accountability to start with former dictator Ayub Khan, Omar Ayub’s grandfather. He suggested his body be “dug out and hanged as per Article 6.”
Article 6 of the Constitution states: “Any person who abrogates, subverts, suspends, or holds in abeyance the Constitution by use of force or any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.” The High Treason (Punishment) Act, 1973, prescribes death or lifetime imprisonment for high treason.
