The Upper House on Friday unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the “unconstitutional demands” of certain parties regarding resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and dissolution of assemblies.
The resolution moved by Saeed Ghani strongly condemned the use of abusive and derogatory language used by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leadership in their speeches.
The House reiterated the resolve to uphold the rule of law and constitution and sovereignty of the parliament. It said democratic system should continue to function and flourish in the country.
Earlier, the House admitted an adjournment motion to discuss the situation after ‘Azadi’ and ‘Inqilabi’ marchers staged a sit-in outside the Parliament.
Initiating the debate, Senator Farhatullah Babar regretted the use of abusive language by the leadership of the protesting parties against the Parliament and elected representatives. He said it is unprecedented in the parliamentary and democratic history of the country that a protesting mob has blocked the entrance to the Parliament.
He said this onslaught on the Parliament cannot be allowed and the House should take note of the situation, adding that stick-wielding people cannot be allowed to make political decisions on the roads.
Senator Tahir Hussain Mashahdi said dialogue is the only democratic mean to end the current political crisis. He appreciated the government for demonstrating restraint and not using force against the protesting people. He said it is the democratic right of every citizen to protest but the prestige of the Parliament cannot be compromised.
Rubina Khalid said the government and protesting parties should demonstrate flexibility to resolve the current political crisis. She said media is also responsible for the current crisis “for broadcasting hatred and instigating speeches”.
Zafar Ali Shah said PTI Chairman Imran Khan is member of the National Assembly and he should refrain from using derogatory and abusive language against the Parliament. He said most of the demands of the PTI are unconstitutional.
