Members of the National Assembly Monday unanimously condemned the protests in Islamabad, saying that these protests are aimed at derailing the democratic set up and vowed to resist any unconstitutional step.
Without naming Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that two parties who are talking about democracy and Constitution have violated the Constitution and sanctity of the Parliament by bringing their workers inside the premises of the Parliament House.
He said that although the members of NA are facing difficulties in attending the NA session, they will continue to work diligently.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Ahmed Sheikh strongly condemned the Sunday’s assault on journalists in Islamabad.
He expressed complete solidarity with the media and said that an enquiry into the incident will be conducted and those involved in attacks on media will be brought to book.
Taking part in the debate, Aasiya Nasir said that the two parties staging sit-ins have violated all norms by attacking state institutions. She strongly condemned the attacks by the protesters and said that no one would be allowed to derail democracy in the country.
PTI-backed MNA Mussarat Ahmed Zeb, who has refused to resign from the NA, said that she has taken oath to stand by the Constitution and will continue to abide by it.
“The Constitution is sacred for us and no one should be allowed to harm it.”
Sheikh Rohail Asghar said that PTI and PAT have taken extra constitutional steps by entering in the compound of Parliament House.
He said that both parties tried to derail democracy but they will not succeed in their foul designs.
Another PTI-backed MNA Nasir Khan Khattak said that by attending the parliamentary session, the lawmakers have given the message to the world that they are with democracy and will defend the Constitution.
“We will foil the conspiracies hatched by forces who want to derail democracy and violate the Constitution,” he said, adding that he is with the Parliament that is the representative of the people of Pakistan.
Sardar Awais Khan Leghari said that Khan and Qadri are protesting merely for personal gains and satisfaction of their ego and have no interest in the country and its people. He alleged that Khan and Qadri are using women and children as human shield.
“Those talking about democracy in western countries do not know that in those countries no one can dare to cross the yellow lines drawn by security forces; these people have crossed the red lines despite prior agreement not to do so,” he said.
He said that due to the protests, foreign missions in Islamabad have closed their services for five days thereby disconnecting Pakistan from the rest of the world, adding that the protests have badly damaged the image of the country.