Marvi resigns from NA, ‘Q’

Amid appreciation from the PML-N and condemnation by the PML-Q and the PPP, PML-Q’s defiant lawmaker Marvi Memon, who had earlier applied for a seat on the opposition benches after the Q league’s joining the government, in an emotional speech tendered resignation from her membership of the National Assembly as well as from the party on Wednesday.
“Since my party leadership’s decision to join the federal government, it has become difficult for me to be true to my oath. I believe that PML Q leaders by leaving their role as an opposition party have not lived up to the expectations of millions of voters who reposed their trust in them in the February 2008 elections,” she said while speaking on a point of order.
She said she had tried to prevail upon the party leadership to change their decision, but in vain.
“Now the only honourable course open to me is to resign from the PML membership and also as member of the National Assembly on the occasion of vote for budget,” she said.
She was of the view that abstaining from voting on the budget would practically mean approving it, and with it, tacitly endorsing all government policies and future plans.
“Since I believe this coalition government is working against the interests of the people of Pakistan, my support for the budget would compromise my struggle for the people. I cannot vote against my conscience. I have thus voted against the budget,” she said, adding his party’s leadership was safeguarding its personal interests.