Latest news with #Khyber-PakhtunkhwaAssembly
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Assembly debate on security turns ugly
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session convened on Monday to discuss the province's deteriorating law and order situation quickly descended into a heated exchange of accusations between the treasury and opposition benches, derailing any possibility of consensus on forming a parliamentary committee for peace. Lawmakers from both sides traded allegations, accusing one another of being "products of the establishment" and dredging up decades-old political history. Calls for constructive debate were repeatedly overshadowed by personal attacks and partisan jibes. During the discussion, Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Ahmad Karim Kundi criticised the government's handling of security, saying 'crocodile tears' would not resolve the crisis. He referenced statements by caretaker federal interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had accused the K-P chief minister of paying extortion money. "If the chief minister himself admits paying extortion, what can an ordinary citizen expect?" Kundi asked, demanding a parliamentary peace committee headed by the opposition leader. Kundi alleged that billions allocated under the NFC Award for counterterrorism had not been properly utilised, and accused the provincial leadership of privately courting the establishment while publicly claiming defiance. He further said those who once staged a 126-day sit-in on the orders of a military general were now criticising security institutions. Provincial Minister Dr Amjad Khan hit back, dismissing Naqvi as "unelected" and unqualified to comment on the chief minister. He questioned why the PPP government had failed to arrest Benazir Bhutto's killers and accused past governments of introducing terrorism to the region through drone strikes and militant patronage. PTI lawmaker Major (retd) Sajjad Khan said opposition parties had "nothing but lies and criticism," claiming PTI was the only party with representation nationwide. He accused federal coalition partners of supporting military operations in K-P, while fleeing from the provincial government's proposed All Parties Conference because they could not endorse PTI's stance. In a fiery speech, he also targeted K-P Governor, accusing him of spending his life "loitering in Islamabad's streets" and failing to perform gubernatorial duties. Speaker Babar Saleem Swati refused to expunge un-parliamentary remarks, saying live broadcasts should hold members accountable for their words. Earlier, MPA Dawood Shah Afridi lamented the province's worsening security since the PTI government's ouster, claiming the region had become peaceful under Imran Khan's tenure when drone strikes ceased. He alleged K-P and Balochistan faced oppression because of their mineral resources and power generation capacity. Lawmakers Yamin Khan and Malik Adeel opposed any new military operation in K-P, warning that pitting the army against the people would not bring peace. They linked unchecked corruption with the rise in terrorism and accused the opposition of seeking privileges rather than genuine reform.
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Assembly forms law & order panel
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has decided to form a parliamentary committee to address the province's deteriorating law and order situation, calling for collective efforts to restore peace. The committee will oversee measures taken for maintaining peace and stability across the province. Rules and terms of reference for the committee will be finalized in the next session, and an official notification will be issued accordingly. During Friday's assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Law Minister Aftab Alam proposed suspending the routine proceedings to hold a debate on the worsening security situation. A prayer was also offered for victims of recent terrorist attacks. Leader of the Opposition, Dr Ibadullah, said the House must conduct discussions that restore public trust. He stressed that unless lawmakers show seriousness about public issues, they cannot earn people's confidence. "We must unite on a single-point agenda for peace, but unfortunately, we remain divided," he said, adding that the lack of unity opens the door for other forces to intervene. He criticized the chief minister's inconsistent statements on security matters and said 95 per cent of debates in the House are irrelevant. "India has now taken the CM's remarks to FATF, threatening Pakistan's hard-earned exit from the grey list," he warned. PPP Parliamentary Leader Ahmad Karim Kundi said that people from Chitral to Waziristan are protesting, yet the provincial government has failed to restore peace. "This government is the product of political generals," he said, accusing the CM of backtracking on the Peace Jirga's charter. "By morning, his statements change," he added. Government MPA Ajmal Khan said that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is passing through a historically difficult time. "There is a climate of fear in Bajaur," he said, calling for implementation of promises made during the FATA merger. He emphasized the need for dialogue with Afghanistan and for providing shelter and necessities to displaced residents. PTI's Shafiullah criticized repeated military operations in tribal and border regions. "Why are only our people turned into IDPs whenever foreign interests need to be satisfied?" he asked. "Despite a heavily funded border fence, why are terrorists still returning to our land?" He condemned the decades-long suffering of the Pashtun people and stressed that peace must come through negotiation, not force. ANP MPA Arbab Usman said parliamentarians are being disrespected. "Our job isn't to build drains or streets; it's to legislate," he said. "We should compare ourselves with nations like Bangladesh or Afghanistan, but first, we must act like Pakistanis. Our human capital is our greatest asset." The K-P Assembly session ended with a rare display of cross-party consensus on the need for unified political action to restore peace in the province.
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Speaker 'concerned' over disqualification move in Punjab Assembly
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has expressed serious concern over the suspension and possible disqualification of opposition members in the Punjab Assembly. In a formal letter addressed to the speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Swati criticised the recent decision to suspend 26 opposition lawmakers for 15 sessions and raised objections to the potential disqualification proceedings against them under Article 63(2) of the Constitution. Terming the move a misinterpretation of constitutional powers and contrary to democratic traditions, Swati emphasised that while maintaining decorum within the assembly is vital and Rule 210(3) of the Assembly's Rules of Procedure is relevant for disciplinary measures, any subsequent attempt to seek disqualification under Article 63(2) would constitute overstepping constitutional boundaries. He warned that such measures could lead to the misuse of constitutional provisions and pose a threat to the autonomy, sanctity, and dignity of all legislative assemblies across the country. Swati further highlighted that a combined reading of Articles 66 and 69 with Article 127 of the Constitution clearly provides immunity to members for their conduct within the House, and any external interference in such matters is unconstitutional. Stressing the long-term implications of the issue, the K-P Assembly speaker noted that actions like these could set a dangerous precedent, ultimately undermining parliamentary democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
MPAs elected on reserved seats seek oath before Senate polls
Members-elect on reserved seats in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have formally requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to intervene and facilitate their oath-taking process, as the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly has allegedly refused to administer the oath. In their written application to the ECP, the members have urged the Commission to exercise its constitutional authority and seek the assistance of the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court to administer the oath under Article 255(2) of the Constitution. The issue arose after the Speaker failed to convene an assembly session to swear in members elected on reserved seats for women and minorities. Despite a formal letter from the opposition urging immediate action, no steps were taken by the Speaker, prompting the members-elect to approach the ECP. According to the letter, following the Supreme Court's verdict, the ECP had already issued notifications confirming the success of candidates on the reserved seats. However, the delay in administering their oaths has left the assembly incomplete, which in turn is obstructing the Senate election process. The ECP has announced July 21 as the date for the Senate elections, but the members argue that without their oaths, the electoral college for the Senate polls remains incomplete. They have requested that their oaths be ensured before July 21 so that the assembly is fully constituted and the Senate elections can be held on schedule.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Speaker Swati slams US strike on Iran
Speaker of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, has strongly condemned the United States' unprovoked attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, terming it a blatant and serious violation of Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, the United Nations Charter, and international law. He stated that the strike comes at a time when Iran is already facing aggression from Israel, adding that such actions will not only escalate tensions in the region but also pose a grave threat to global peace. Swati expressed full solidarity and sympathy with the people and government of Iran, urging the international community to take immediate notice of the aggression and play its role in ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East. He further emphasized that international institutions like the United Nations must not remain silent spectators, and that upholding international law should be their foremost priority. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr Saif, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's reported proposal to nominate former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it the "height of sycophantic politics." Barrister Saif said it was incomprehensible to suggest such an honor for a man "responsible for raining bombs on Muslims." He pointed out that President Trump not only directly attacked Iran during his tenure but also rejected ceasefire resolutions on Gaza eight times. "Instead of mediating peace between Iran and Israel, innocent civilians are being directly targeted — and Shehbaz Sharif remains silent, yet talks of nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is not only shameful, it is condemnable," he stated. He further said, "There is a limit to flattery, and Shehbaz Sharif's recent remarks are not just disgraceful but reflect the ultimate level of servitude. Nominating Trump is tantamount to insulting the entire Muslim Ummah."
