The National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, took decisive action by suspending the memberships of two lawmakers, Jamshed Ahmad Khan Dasti and Muhammad Iqbal Khan, following their disruptive conduct during President Asif Ali Zardari’s parliamentary address.
The speaker’s motion highlighted the unacceptable behavior of the suspended members, including the use of abusive language, approaching the dais in a threatening manner, and engaging in disruptive actions such as blowing whistles and displaying banners.
Opposition Ruckus Amid Presidential Address
President Zardari’s address to the joint session of parliament was marred by opposition uproar, particularly from PTI members, who continuously chanted slogans and created a noisy atmosphere throughout the speech, causing disruptions and prompting the speaker’s intervention.
Despite the president’s call for political reconciliation and dialogue, the opposition’s protest reflected ongoing tensions and polarisation within the political landscape, undermining the decorum of the parliamentary proceedings.
"صدر آصف علی زرداری کی کل کی تقریر پاکستان اور وقت کی ضرورت ہے کہ ہم آپس کے اختلافات کو بھلا کر ملک اور عوام کے بارے میں سوچیں."
چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/oWtNCldfIS
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) April 19, 2024
President Zardari’s Call for Unity and Reform
In his address, President Zardari emphasized the need for a fresh start, parliamentary consensus, and mutual respect to address the country’s challenges effectively. He urged lawmakers to focus on public needs, promote good governance, and rebuild public confidence in the parliamentary process.
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Acknowledging the importance of inclusive growth and reform, President Zardari called for a reset in the political atmosphere, urging legislators to prioritize national interests and work towards turning challenges into opportunities for the betterment of the country.
Joint Session Highlights Major National and International Issues
The joint session of parliament, attended by prominent political figures and dignitaries, served as a platform to address critical national and international matters, ranging from economic stability, social welfare, and foreign policy to climate change, Kashmir, and Palestine.
President Zardari’s comprehensive address outlined the government’s priorities and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to overcome existing challenges, foster unity, and promote progress and prosperity across the nation.