ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar announced on Tuesday that the National Assembly will be dissolved on August 12 at 12 pm, and a caretaker setup will be formed in consultation with all political parties.
Addressing the joint session of Parliament, Tarar emphasized that any new legislation is not being passed secretly or hidden from the public.
During his speech, Tarar addressed concerns raised by Ali Zafar, stating that remarks using derogatory language should be avoided in the Assembly. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the House and refraining from disrespectful language.
Tarar clarified that no new legislation, including amendments to the Election Act, is being presented without proper consultation. He mentioned that the Election Act 2017, which holds great significance, was prepared with extensive effort and is open to amendments through consultation and unanimous decision-making by the House.
The Law Minister highlighted that previous amendments to the Election Act were passed quickly, but transparency was still lacking in the 2018 election process. He emphasized the need for collective thinking and cooperation among institutions to address challenges and move the country forward. Tarar also expressed opposition to decisions made without the involvement of all stakeholders, which can exacerbate crises.
Legislative Transparency in Pakistan
Furthermore, Tarar mentioned that several bills have been pending for legislation for two years. He emphasized that the country’s progress depends on all institutions working together to find solutions and address issues effectively. Tarar stressed the importance of collective efforts to solve problems and promote transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process.
Meanwhile, Minister for Economic Affairs and Political Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that all members’ amendments and suggestions were incorporated in the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2023. He said that the report was prepared after consensus.
Speaking in the National Assembly, the federal minister said that the Speaker National Assembly and Chairman Senate jointly constituted a committee comprising members from both houses to address elections-related issues raised by the parliamentarians and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The report was prepared after detailed deliberation and consensus of all members, he added.
Coming hard on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said those who attacked the parliament and Pakistan Television were now talking about the supremacy of the Parliament. The National Assembly was illegally dissolved by PTI despite moving of vote of no-confidence against the then prime minister by the joint opposition, he added.
The minister said ‘Yadgars’ (monuments) of those who rendered supreme sacrifices and laid their lives for our motherland were attacked on May 9. He requested the Chair to screen a documentary of those who inflicted loss on Pakistan since 2014.
