Fiery Exchange in National Assembly as Mahmood Khan Achakzai Levels Serious Allegations Against Speaker
ISLAMABAD: A heated session of Pakistan’s National Assembly witnessed a sharp confrontation between Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, culminating in a walkout by opposition members.
During his speech, Achakzai warned the government that nearly two and a half years of its tenure had passed and urged it to change its approach. Addressing the Speaker directly, he accused him of violating the Constitution and parliamentary rules, alleging that 14 opposition lawmakers had been removed from the assembly unlawfully. He also claimed that democratic institutions, including the judiciary, were being weakened.
The opposition leader questioned the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and criticized restrictions on political gatherings and protests. He asked what crime the PTI founder had committed and raised concerns over the detention and sentencing of various individuals, including elderly prisoners and political activists.
Achakzai further argued that several regions and communities in the country felt marginalized. He claimed that people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, and Azad Kashmir were facing serious challenges and called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that local populations receive a fair share of their natural resources and economic benefits.
Responding strongly to the remarks, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq rejected the allegations and stated that he would not allow criticism of Pakistan’s armed forces or judiciary on the floor of the house. He emphasized that parliamentary proceedings must remain within constitutional and procedural limits.
The Speaker also said that he would not permit speeches resembling street protests inside the National Assembly and defended actions taken in what he described as the interest of protecting state institutions and the country.
Following the tense exchange, Achakzai left the chamber before completing his speech, and opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in protest, bringing further drama to an already contentious parliamentary session.
