Latest news with #AyazSadiq
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India warned against its hydro terror
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday, declaring that any move by India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would be considered an "act of war". The lower house also approved the Gas-Fired Power Plants Bill 2025, despite opposition. The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began with opposition member Iqbal Afridi pointing out a lack of quorum, leading to a 15-minute suspension of proceedings. Following the question hour, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik introduced the Gas-Fired Power Plants Bill 2025, which sought imposing a levy on privately operated captive power plants. The bill was passed despite opposition protests. Initially, a five per cent levy will be imposed, which may increase to 10 per cent and eventually 20 per cent in subsequent phases. Later, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Moin Wattoo tabled a resolution condemning India's reported move to suspend the IWT. The resolution, passed unanimously, stated that such an action would be tantamount to a declaration of war and urged the government to take measures in this regard. During the debate, PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi warned that India had faced defeat before and would face it again if it continued to engage in proxy warfare and terrorism. PPP's Aijaz Jakhrani emphasized the critical importance of water, declaring, "Water is life, and we will not compromise on it. Modi must hear this loud and clear." The lower house also strongly condemned the recent school bus attack in Khuzdar. National Assembly member from Balochistan Mian Khan Bugti said India had been involved in the Khuzdar school bus attack, vowing to defeat Indian-backed proxies. Meanwhile, in response to a calling attention notice regarding the quality of food and alternative arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, Federal Minister Sardar Yousaf assured the House that any issues raised by members would be addressed promptly. The National Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA passes two bills: Panel bypassed in explosives bill approval
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Monday passed two bills including 'The Explosives (Amendment) Bill, 2025'which states that anyone who is found illegally involved in the manufacturing, storage, possession, procurement, sales, transport, export, import or use of explosives, shall be liable to imprisonment from three years to seven years or a fine of half a million to 20 million rupees or both. The house passed the 'The Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025' and 'The Explosives (Amendment) Bill, 2025' bills with a majority. The National Assembly passed 'The Explosives (Amendment) Bill, 2025' after introduction without referring to concerned standing committee for deliberation through adoption of a motion in the house. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry introduced the bill in the house then he moved a motion in the house to pass it without referring it to the concerned standing committee. The house adopted the motion and the minster tabled the bill for passage. After it, the house passed the bill without any discussion. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq presented the bill by clubbing its clauses two to ten in the house instead of reading clause by clause. The House passed the bill with majority. According to clause four of the bill, a new clauses 5A and 5B are inserted as ''5A. Offences of minor and major violations. - (1) Where a licensee commits no minor violations which are non-malicious, he shall be liable to an administrative penalty not exceeding half million rupees. (2) Where a licensee commits minor violations which are malicious, he shall be liable to an administrative penalty not exceeding one million rupees. (3) Where a licensee commits major violations which are non-malicious, he shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding ten million rupees or both. (4) Where a licensee commits major violations which are malicious, he shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding seven years or a fine not exceeding twenty million rupees or both. (5) Whoever commits any act involving the manufacturing, storage, possession, procurement, sale, transport, import, export or use of explosives without any licence under this Act and rules made thereunder shall be liable to the punishments provided for in theExplosive Substances Act, 1908. 5B. Trial of offences. - The offences under this Act and under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 shall be tried by the Anti-Terrorism Court established under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.' The objects and reasons of 'The Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, state: 'this Bill seeks to amend provisions of the Pakistan Navy Ordinance, '1961 so as to provide the structural underpinnings of raising and maintaining the Navy, including inter alia, the power to grant commission, determine terms and conditions of service, carryout welfare activities, national development tasks and other operational and institutional matters.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Day of Gratitude' marked: NA speaker commends valiant role played by armed forces
ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has welcomed the announcement made by Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to observe a 'Day of Gratitude' in light of the successful culmination of Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, terming it a deeply significant and unifying moment in the nation's history. 'The successful execution of Operation Bunyanun Marsoos marks a moment of profound national pride and reflection,' the Speaker stated on Sunday. 'Today is not merely a celebration of military success, but a day to offer gratitude before Almighty Allah for guiding the nation t with strength, dignity, and honour.' Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq commended the valiant role played by the Pakistan Armed Forces, stating that the nation's defense was rendered impregnable through their unmatched courage, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and security of the homeland. 'Our armed forces demonstrated extraordinary resolve and professionalism on every front. Their sacrifices and steadfastness reflect the highest traditions of patriotism,' he said. He further underscored the significance of national unity and political consensus during the critical period of conflict. 'At a time when the nation was under threat, the people of Pakistan rose above their differences and stood united in defence of the motherland. Political forces across the spectrum exhibited maturity and placed national security above partisan interests, sending a clear and powerful message of unity to both friends and foes alike.' the Speaker emphasized that Pakistan emerged from the crisis with not only a strategic and defensive advantage but also a moral and diplomatic victory on the international stage. 'The robust, principled, and restrained response by Pakistan in the face of aggression won the respect of the global community. Our diplomatic outreach and consistent narrative helped shape a broader understanding of Pakistan as a peace-loving, sovereign nation committed to regional stability,' he said. He further remarked, 'The effective and proportionate response delivered to the enemy during Operation Bunyanun Marsoos was not only a military achievement but also a manifestation of national resilience and wisdom. Every success, every inch of regained honour, was made possible by the blessings and mercy of Almighty. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has also expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. 'Our martyrs are the eternal guardians of the nation's honour. Their sacrifice is the foundation upon which our future security is built. The nation will forever remember and cherish their bravery.' He offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and extended heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families. 'May Allah grant them patience and strength in their hour of grief. Their loved ones did not die in vain — they live on in the nation's gratitude and in its resolve to remain free, proud, and united.' He also stated: 'Today, Pakistan stands stronger — politically, militarily, and morally. Let this day of gratitude remind us of what we can achieve when we are united, resolute, and guided by faith.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'India's pride shattered with Rafale downing'
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq chairs a meeting on negotiations between the treasury and the opposition at the Parliament House in Islamabad. PHOTO: PPI The National Assembly on Thursday hailed the armed forces as the invincible guardians of the nation, commending their superior strategy and swift takedown of several Indian warplanes, including the much-touted Rafale fighter jet, and a fleet of Israeli-made drones. Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches rallied around the military's show of force, declaring that it wasn't just India's Rafale, but its pride that had plummeted. They warned that New Delhi had made a grave miscalculation in mistaking Pakistan's overtures for peace as a sign of weakness. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar informed the house that Pakistan's forces, displaying exceptional tactical acumen, had shot down 25 drones across various parts of the country. He further disclosed that 50 Indian soldiers had been killed in clashes along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. As the lower house continued its fourth consecutive day of deliberation on India's unprovoked aggression, Tarar made it clear that Pakistan's response would come, unflinching and firm, at a time and place of its choosing. "Our forces have been given full authority. Now we will decide the time and place," he asserted. Briefing lawmakers on the Indian airstrikes carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, the minister said that India had taken great pride in its Rafale aircraft, but Pakistan's armed forces brought that pride crashing down. "It is not the aircraft, but India's pride that has fallen," he said. "When Rafale aircraft were sent, our air force responded with such precision that the enemy was left humiliated. Now, cowardly India is resorting to unmanned drones. Today, 25 such drones were intercepted, some jammed through electronic warfare, others brought down by our air defence," he added. He also told the house that 40 to 50 Indian soldiers had been eliminated on the LoC and a brigade headquarters had been razed. Drawing a pointed comparison to the 2019 capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan, Tarar mocked India with a jab: "The home delivery of 'fantastic tea' has been made." Aamir Dogar, the chief whip of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called "the butcher of Gujarat", had displayed cowardice by launching attacks in the dead of night. Former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) echoed the information minister's sentiment. "India's pride is reduced to dust along with its Rafale aircraft," he said. "India has consistently targeted civilians, while Pakistani forces struck only military targets." Shazia Marri of the PPP said that India had taken Pakistan's silence for weakness, which turned out to be a costly misjudgment. "The prime minister has clearly stated that we had no involvement in the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan even offered an international investigation, but India fled from it," she added.
Business Recorder
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Press freedom pivotal for democracy: NA speaker
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that freedom of the press is pivotal for the promotion of democratic values. He said that the role of the journalistic community is of vital importance in promoting a positive image of the country and fostering an informed society. He also added that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of expression. He expressed these views on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, observed every year on 3rd under the auspices of the United Nations. Sadiq also appreciated the important role played by journalists in the Press Gallery of the Parliament, who serve as a bridge between legislative proceedings and the general public. He highlighted the irreplaceable sacrifices offered by journalists in their quest to bring truth and facts to light. He further added that the media plays a fundamental role in shaping an educated, aware, and responsible society. He commended the dedication of journalists who perform their duties in conflict zones, often at great personal risk. He paid rich tribute to journalists serving in Palestine, Indian-occupied Kashmir, and other war-torn regions, recognising their courage and professionalism. He expressed sadness over the alarming number of journalists who lose their lives each year while fulfilling their professional responsibilities, calling it a matter of grave concern. He stressed the need for a collective and coordinated strategy to ensure the safety and protection of journalists in the line of duty. He reiterated that the Parliament of Pakistan is fully committed to upholding press freedom and is determined to enact effective legislation to safeguard the rights of the journalistic community. He said that the passage of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, as a significant step toward ensuring public access to information. Highlighting the role of Pakistani media during recent Indian aggressive policies in the region, the speaker praised the journalistic community for demonstrating exceptional professionalism and patriotism. Through fact-based reporting, the media played a key role in revealing the true face of India to the international community, he said. On this occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah has affirmed Parliament's unwavering belief in freedom of expression and its commitment to ensuring that journalists have timely and accurate access to information. He added that the National Assembly has consistently pursued legislation aimed at the protection and welfare of journalists. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
