18-member NA committee formed to resolve house-related issues

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Hamid Raza, and Gohar Ali Khan have been appointed to a newly-formed committee tasked with addressing parliamentary matters. The body will present its recommendations on various issues affecting the Parliament.  

Khawaja Asif, Minister for Defence, criticized the recent entry of masked men into the Parliament, calling it "shameful." This came after Speaker Ayaz Sadiq constituted an 18-member special committee, following the National Assembly's earlier motion to resolve house-related issues.  

The committee's formation follows heightened tensions between the government and opposition after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers were arrested within the Parliament premises. Both sides unanimously agreed to create a committee to discuss and resolve issues impacting the functioning of the house.  

The committee includes representatives from both the government and opposition, including Senator Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Sahibzada Muhammad Hamid Raza, Gohar Ali Khan, and Muhammad Akhtar Mengal.  

A circular issued by the National Assembly Secretariat outlines the committee's terms of reference, which include analyzing and making recommendations on matters related to Parliament, the Constitution, and the rules of procedure to ensure smooth parliamentary functioning.  

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar tabled the resolution calling for the committee, emphasizing the need for both treasury and opposition benches to collaborate in resolving issues.  

The move comes amid rising political tensions following the arrests of PTI lawmakers for violating the newly enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, during a public rally in Islamabad.  

Earlier, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq suspended the House's Sergeant at Arms and four other security officials for allowing the alleged arrests by Islamabad police and masked men within the Parliament's premises.  

**Speaker Sadiq Condemns Past Actions**  
In the session, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reflected on PTI founder Imran Khan's tenure as prime minister, expressing regret over the refusal to issue production orders for opposition members at that time. He stressed that "two wrongs do not make a right" and committed to maintaining the respect and dignity of Parliament.  

**Masked Men in Parliament 'Shameful'**  
Khawaja Asif condemned the presence of masked men and police inside Parliament as a violation of the institution’s sanctity, while expressing support for issuing production orders for the arrested MNAs. He added that the PTI’s Sunday rally had crossed boundaries, but the entry of police into Parliament was a blow to its authority.  

**PTI Calls for Dialogue**  
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan confirmed that discussions were held with various political parties regarding the production order. He criticized the police for not following the speaker’s verbal instructions and raised concerns over masked men entering Parliament. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated the need for production orders, calling them a basic right, and emphasized the party’s commitment to negotiations for the sake of the country and democracy.  

**Condemnation of Attack on Parliament**  
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai expressed his support for the speaker’s efforts to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament. He condemned the recent attacks on Parliament, calling them unjustified and unacceptable. Achakzai urged all institutions to operate within their constitutional limits to ensure the strength of Parliament and democracy.