ISLAMABAD -
Terming the PML-N government’s step to take parliament into confidence about proceeding against former President Pervez Musharraf under article-6 of the constitution, major opposition parties in the national assembly have appreciated the decision.
The PM’s policy statement about Musharraf, during the budget session, initiated the debate like situation in the House as opposition benches paid tribute and congratulated Nawaz Sharif.
Taking the floor one-by-one, the opposition parties on the PML-N government’s stance not only termed it an initiation of new an era but also assumed that if this tradition continues, no one would dare take any action against the constitution.
Some of the lawmakers from the same benches views that instead of seeking to invoke article 6 from November 3, 2007 the government should suggest its imposition from October 12, 1999.
Leader of opposition in the national assembly Syed Khursheed Shah welcomed the government’s step for proceeding against the former President President Pervez Musharraf.
“It is a good tradition as parliament is taken into confidence...I welcome the step of the government,” he said proposing that even pictures of all the dictators should also be removed from the democratic institutions of the country.
Lauding the government’s move, he said that the dictators, who declared the constitution of Pakistan as piece of paper, are being held accountable under the same constitution.
Taking the floor, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf(PTI) senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi also appreciated the step taken by the incumbent government.
“I appreciate as parliament was taken into confidence on it,” he said assuring support of the PTI on each and every measure in line with constitution of Pakistan. He further said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf(PTI) will all its positive measures to strengthening democracy and supremacy of the Constitution. He further said that the democratic institution will flourish by following the principle of Supremacy of rule of law in the country.
Adding its share, Pashtoonkhawa Milli Awami Party senior MNA Mehmood Khan Achkazi considered the decision as initiation of new era in the history of Pakistan.
“For the first time in the history it happened... For the first time now vehicle is on right track,” he said, adding that it was not success of failure of any institution but it was necessary to differentiate the limits of every institution. He said that all those having sacrificed their lives for the promotion of democracy should be declared ‘Martyrs of Democracy’,” he added.
Taking the floor, Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Sheikh Rashid proposed that the incumbent government should suggest its imposition from October 12, 1999 to the Supreme Court. “PM after coming into power used to remain silent...he will be deliberating on it but now he is smiling,” he remarked. He said that this government has to resolve plethora of issues as the entire nation is expecting change. “Change could be possible by reviewing foreign policy,” he added.
Another opposition party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) proposed that all those violated the constitution should be treated in a same way. “Article-6 should also be imposed on all those who were with dictator,” said MQM senior leader Abdul Waseem.
PML-Z leader Eijazul Haq termed the decision as a good move of the country. “On November 3 incident, punishment should be awarded to responsible,” he added. The House witnessed hullabaloo when Aijaz ul-Haq started sharing the reasons of the Martial Law.
Inviting strong protest by the legislators of PPP, he questioned who allowed to impose Martial Law in the country. He also demanded action against supporters of Martial Laws as well as civil martial law administrators. The lawmakers from PPP even raised on their seats during his speech, resultantly, the speaker took floor from him.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) senior lawmaker Sahibzada Muhamamd Yaqoob congratulated the Prime Minister saying that this was a very good example of promoting democratic culture in the country. “JI will support all democratic measures,” he remarked.
A member of treasury benches from JUI-F Akram Durrani paid tribute to the Prime Minister (PM) for sharing the government decision with the parliament. “If this tradition will continue then there will be no trouble in the constitution of the country,” he added.