ISLAMABAD: PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the Opposition’s right to bring a no-confidence motion is democratic and constitutional, accusing National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser of being prejudiced in the process.
He further stated that anyone who violates the Constitution, whether it is the National Assembly Speaker or the Prime Minister, will be subject to Article 6 of the Constitution.
“The speaker has been biassed from the beginning and continues to exhibit his partiality,” the senior leader stated.
He expressed his displeasure with the delay in holding the session for the vote of no confidence, saying that this is not like the Senate or the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly Election, where “votes can be bought with money,” implying that the current government has previously bought votes to stay in power.
People now want to leave the government’s side and join the opposition, according to Abbasi.
“The biggest example of money laundering is foreign funding, and both the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) and the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) remain silent on this issue,” he stated, implying that PTI’s foreign fundraising case might reveal the party’s illicit operations.
Abbasi asked Imran Khan to tell him where he is right now, referring to the recent resignation of PM’s ex-adviser on accountability and interior leader Shahzad Akbar. Akbar resigned from his position a few months ago without stating a reason for his departure.
The Opposition threatened Qaiser earlier today, stating it would take action against him if he did not obey the rules on Monday, in order to avoid a four-day delay in the vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The threat stemmed from the opposition’s fear that the speaker will suspend the first day of the requisitioned NA session tomorrow (March 21) after offering Fateha for PTI MNA Haji Khayal Zaman, who died recently.
Though it is not required by the National Assembly’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, it is a parliamentary practice to close the day’s meeting after reciting prayers for a deceased politician.
