ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah on Friday discussed the constitution of standing committees, legislation and matters regarding other parliamentary affairs.
The NA speaker said that it was the joint responsibility of both government and opposition to make the environment of the lower house favourable and to maintain its dignity and the lawmakers must uphold parliamentary norms, mutual respect and tolerance for each other for the smooth functioning of the parliament.
He said that criticism is the right of the opposition, however, it should be for betterment and not just to criticise. He stressed the need for joint efforts to overcome the challenges confronting to the country at present, said a press release.
He said that the opposition has to play a positive role in resolving national issues through parliament. The NA speaker appreciated the role of opposition in making the environment of the lower house more friendly and peaceful.
He said that parliamentary committees are the important organ of the parliament and without their formation enactment of legislation was not possible.
He said that the formation of parliamentary committees was his foremost priority and he was in contact with members of government and opposition parties to resolve this matter as soon as possible.
He expressed the hope that matters pertaining to the formation of parliamentary committees would be resolved through mutual consensus in the upcoming session of NA.
Asad Qaiser said that lawmaking is the prime responsibility of the parliament and through effective legislation, solve public issues can be resolved, leading to an increase in the dignity of the parliament.
He stressed upon the members of the opposition to actively took part in legislation as well as to give their suggestions for its improvement. He said that the presence of members in parliament reflects their seriousness in the proceedings of the house. He asked the members of the opposition to ensure their presence during the proceedings of the house in order to run its business effectively.
Shah appreciated the neutral role of the speaker in the assembly and assured full support of his party in the formation of standing committees. He also appreciated the speaker’s role in resolving the issue of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and making efforts for early formation of other standing committees and expressed the hope that the task of formation of standing committees will soon be completed with mutual consensus. He stressed upon the cooperation between government and opposition for smooth legislation.
