PTI’s Asad Qaiser Reveals Pressure to Resign Under Duress, Warns of Parliamentary Stalemate

Islamabad: In a dramatic revelation, former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser disclosed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members are being pressured to resign from the assembly. Speaking during a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Qaiser said that he and other PTI lawmakers were being told that the Speaker had been approached, and if they submit their resignations, they would be accepted without question.
Qaiser, expressing his concerns, questioned the legal basis for such coercion, adding that PTI members, particularly in Punjab, are facing threats from the establishment, government, and administrative authorities. He warned that if resignations are forcibly obtained, the functioning of the National Assembly would be jeopardized. He further pointed out that raids are being carried out on the homes of PTI members in Punjab.
Federal Minister for Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, responded during a point of order, advising PTI members to file a privilege motion if they felt they were being harassed. He also criticized the PTI government in Punjab, accusing them of committing acts similar to those of Mussolini and Hitler. Tanveer acknowledged Qaiser as a good person but claimed he was being misled.
Hanif Abbasi, another member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), expressed concern over the “delicate” political situation in Pakistan. He said the PTI’s rhetoric, especially about ethnicity and provincialism, was dangerous and playing into the hands of the enemy. He also pointed to an incident where PTI members reportedly left their families behind during political turmoil, which he said reflected poorly on their commitment.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly discussed several bills, with a number of them being approved. The National Assembly Secretariat Employees Amendment Bill 2024 was passed with the support of the government. This bill outlines that all positions up to Grade 15 must be advertised before appointments, and a comprehensive policy for deputation-based appointments will be developed.
In another significant move, Salaried Civil Servants’ Protection Bill 2024 was introduced by PPP’s Syed Khursheed Shah, while the Westminster University of Emerging Science and Technology Bill 2024 was presented by Hanif Abbasi. Despite some objections, the Speaker stated that university establishments fall under federal jurisdiction, though provinces also have the right to establish universities.
Other legislative measures included the Nepun Institute of Modern Science Bill 2024, which was passed by the House, and the PIMA Ordinance 2002 Amendment Bill, which was referred to the relevant committee.
The session also saw discussions on pressing issues such as drug testing in educational institutions and environmental accountability, with bills from various parties referred to committees for further consideration.
This session highlighted the tense political atmosphere in the National Assembly, with lawmakers voicing concerns over the stability of both the institution and the country’s future political direction.