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Nawaz, Hashmi embrace at the end of the session
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In any Shakespearean tragedy, a soliloquy signifies a crucial point in the play: it usually comes when the hero is on the verge of committing to an act that will define him for the rest of his on-stage life.
So it was in Parliament on Tuesday that Javed Hashmi, the estranged Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader, delivered a speech of his own that certainly put to rest all speculation about what side he is on.
Arriving in the National Assembly during a speech by Maulana Fazlur Rehman to a tremendous reception, Hashmi minced no words during his allotted speaking time on the floor of the house. He clarified that despite his differences with the party’s high command, he was still PTI’s democratically elected president.
At times Hashmi's speech sounded almost like a history lesson, as he recounted key points from the past: the secession of Bangladesh; his own time in prison; the time he advised Benazir Bhutto against a safe-passage deal with General Musharraf; and, previous Nawaz regimes where, he said, the current PM had ample time to work for the country’s betterment but failed to do so.
His castigation of the prime minister for his aloofness from parliament rang true for most members and one could see that he meant it as his hands shook with rage (or possibly the physical strain – given his frail health).
He defended Imran Khan and praised his ability to mobilise the youth. He also maintained that the PM should listen to lawmakers, referring to the premier’s reputation for having his own way – before announcing his resignation from Parliament.
Before the main event, however, the impassioned Aitzaz Ahsan took the government to task, moving from parables to specifics. He made it clear that his party is continuing to stand by the ruling party at great personal cost.
The speech from the opposition’s side is technically supposed to come from the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly. But, perhaps taking advantage of his oratorical skills, Aitzaz was entrusted the task of making the opposition’s views known.
He recounted their many sins, from Model Town to administrative arrogance and urged the treasury benches to “do some soul-searching”.
Other speeches, such as the ones from Fazlur Rehman, the MQM’s Khalid Siddiqui and Mehmood Achakzai, were a mixed bag of criticism for both the government and the protesting parties, in roughly equal measure.
Chaudhry Nisar, however, was his droning self as he opened proceedings on Tuesday, repeating the same speech he has been making over the past few weeks. Indeed, his tale of the protesters’ broken promises was only interrupted when he stopped to apologise to the media for the police highhandedness.
While the sincerity of the apology may be the stuff of speculation, it was clear that the interior minister was quite anxious and often slid over to an equally pensive PM during other speeches on the floor of the house.
For a joint-sitting, the attendance in the house was quite thin and among the notable absentees was also the chairman of the Senate.
But the session ended on a conciliatory note, as Nawaz Sharif shook hands with Javed Hashmi following the latter’s tirade against the ruling party, indicating that there is still a great deal of mutual respect in both their hearts for each other.
But the real question is, will Parliamentary pleasantries translate into practical measures?
Read the transcript of the speech and updates from Islamabad protests here
Comments (57) Closed
the country burns while those who are responsible sit in a house-of-cards, patting each others' backs. True, democracy is the best revenge.
Ch. Nisar has started talking. He says he and his Govt needs guidance. Obviously, because you and your govt are incapable of any decisions. The PML-N keeps talking about the crowd but they never talk about the reasons behind it . He's really a CH nisar.
All are gathered to save corruption and business in the way of Democracy rather than focus on poor people.
All those who are in favor of Nawaz dynasty raise your hands... good. now lets begin.
@ AB Shahid Agree. I can only see PML-N's people sitting in the parliament patting each other's back - its more than half empty!
What is this hypocrisy? They are worried about 6 cameras being stolen? First of all no one ran away with any cameras - no one catched that on video .. and Ch Nisar's worried about the 6 lakh camera .. and the billions of rupees that these people have in their pocket is of no consequence.
I'm disgusted beyond belief on these liars.
Again All corrupts get together to save their power....they have no other choice but to get united
1) Both Imran Khan & Tahir ul-Qadri never enjoyed popular support of the Pakistani Voter. 2) Their Baton-wielding supporters fighting on streets with the Police are ample evidence that they are hellbent on creating Anarchy in Pakistan so that the Army may take over the government, yet again! 3) Are they hoping they could enjoy power through proxy, as they enjoy Army's support? 4) I hope that Pakistani Parliament would condemn the Anarchy created on the roads and support the Democratically elected govt. 5) I also hope, sincerely, Pakistani Army shall respect the wisdom of Parliamentary Democracy and support Nawaz Sharif, in his fight against the Anarchy.
"But the session ended on a conciliatory note, as Nawaz Sharif shook hands with Javed Hashmi following the latter
@Imran Baloch Very true indeed
It is no surprise that the corrupts have united to ensure that the corrupt system is continued through this government. Ironically the parties and politicians supporting the government kept on saying the elections were massively rigged (Aitzaz Ahsan), what a sham and what a sorry state of affairs. Why didn't the parliament started discussing the bill for electoral reform if they were serious?
@M.P. Rao I am guessing you are a lifelong NS supporter. Just a hunch.
regards
IK needs to realize that his stubbornness wont lead him to victory. He has to lose this battle to win the war. Javed Hashmi has dealt a huge blow to PTI. Needless to comment on Hashmi's loyalty and the truth in his speech, it has nevertheless tarnished the image of IK.
Parliamentarians stand united to save the corrupt system (read as democracy). Aitezaz Ahsan and Javed Hashmi made it clear that it is due to Govt's lack of direction and due to the corruption that things have gone this far. They only support PML N to save democracy. I hope things turn out good for Pakistan cuz in the end that's what matters the most.
Hashmi was misfit in PTI but now he is in right place with right people, what a lota
Hashmi my man... Army was almost there AGAIN!!!!
After rigged election do these so called corrupt politician have any right to come in this parliament?
Wow Mr Javed Hashmi you proved to be the worst person in the world (another lota) proved to be the corrupt to the core. Hail Democracy ... Hail Corruption, Hail Dynasty.
The crooks and corrupt fighting to stay in power and maintain the old feudalistic order. Their days are numbered.
Mr. Javed Hashmi the great democrat of this country has shown his real politics. what a sad end.
The position is clear PMLN has the overall majority. PTI has the majority youth vote. PTI is mobilizing youth to grab power by first trying to cause anarchy. Their objective is wrong and they are using a mix of good and bad messages in their speeches. Who doesn't agree with change agenda but this way of bringing about change is abhorring.
@Hashim khan PTI are the future and the rest belong to the past.
You are always great Hashmi, Stay blessed.
The transition from martial laws and autocracy to democracy will take its course. Let accept this crude democracy and forcefully reject dictatorships. Imran should show patience, he should not flow with ferocity of the youths.
The elite gathered to save itself..but revolution will come.
You can
Pakistani parliament is a group of feudal landlords whose ideas, beliefs and conduct are misguided. According to a critique aid from donor countries line the pockets of ministers and feudal landlords and the elite, if the masses don
@M.P. Rao: Political parties are family owned business. The downtrodden will prefer a national government over a ruling family.
"In the midst of crisis, Parliament speaks with one voice"
Of course they do... their "honest" livelihoods are on the line here.
Imran finds it difficult to hit Sixers in politics. Take it easy.
Shame on this Parliament,All of them are corrupt.
I would like to know if the ECP and Judiciary in Pakistan is free. If the ECP is free then why don't they open the four constituencies Imran Khan has been demanding. Why the government has to instruct them. Even after the agitation started on August 10th ECP could easily have verified two constituencies to confirm if the elections were rigged or not. If the judiciary is free why didn't the CJ took sue-moto action on the tear gas shellings aginst TI and TAQ suppprters or the attack on Pakistan Television. In the past CJ has taken suo-moto action on the increase in prices of samosas.
Together we stand. Long Live the System! Long Live the King!
@Abbas Cameras are of fairly big size and can not be carried in pockets for sure, First of all the accusation of Ch Nisar is wrong but even if the cameras were really stolen then the big question is why the Army men let the intruders out of PTV with cameras and why they were not arrested and let go with or without cameras. This drama staged to defame the demonstrators for sure.
Birds of a feather flock together ...........what else did you expect .............that by some miracle they all would get an injection of moral rectitude.
Why did not a single parliamentarian opposed nawaz and asks for a re count.
"Birds of the same feather fly together", dishonest to the whole nation and country but united to carry on their corruption.
Anyone counting the cases of corruption, murder, nepotism, major criminal charges against the people who sat in the parliament today.
While the constitution which these corrupt lawmakers so vigorously talk of protections, they forget the relevant article which pertains to having free, fair and transparent election. If this was not done when today almost all political parties seem to agree to, then on what ground are they demanding that, although it was rigged, yet they will not allow PM to resign....is this not contradictory between what constitution says and what these politicians are saying ?
@bala We should all understand that the sixth point if not agreed invalidates or nullify the other five demands. What we need is an impartial and independent inquiry of all allegations which I am afraid cannot happen until the current junta of politicians are around.
@Hashim khan When a government doesnt listen to what you are saying. When a government kills your people without any reason, and you you cant file an FIR. When a government buys every person in authority and deny you justice.
You tell me what should we do then...?
Parliamentarians speak with one voice in support of govt! I do wonder if these well paid servants of people would speak with one voice in support of a widow whose daughters have been gang raped but she cannot hope for justice because the culprits come from an influential - read political - background? Would they support a father who has lost his eye sight in his hopeless search for justice after his son was murdered? These democratic people declare themselves the true representatives of Pakistani citizens. Would any of them accept responsibility for the wrongs that happen to their constituents on daily basis? May be not...
Sharif's credibility is all gone, he may stay & rule but not the way he thought he would ..
They all gathered to protect their investment
They all gathered to protect their investment which is the money they invested while running for elections.
@Arif he is still in pti
Parliament on a different planet, all getting together to save corruption.
All parties including PMLN have admitted that there was rigging in the election. Rigging is not allowed in any democratic country of the world. But try to convince corrupt parties and Gullu Butts
I disagree, there was no one voice. There was ranting and raving. Then there was obvious sign of scare, that if they did not get together there will be a disaster. It is first time that I heard Chaudhry Nisar's speech, the guy cannot speak. He is a terrible speaker. The important issue here was If allegations of IK and Qadri are true and correct. Enough evidence was presented in the Parliament that both were speaking the truth. If they are speaking the truth then why there was no investigation? and why this Parliament was silent? This raises suspicion that these so called elected officials are hiding something and conspiring against the nation. This is a terrible thought. Furthermore, if election was rigged then these elected officials were not elected correctly but by some criminal activity. Can you feel comfortable with a Parliament that has bunch of people who should be convicted felons?
Gathered to serve their own interest (the status quo) rather than thinking about the nation.
@Qaiser
A very valid question but they all( most of them) already admit that there was rigging. But still support NS. Go figure.
Not even a single comment in favor of our so called elected people. How did they get elected?
Has anyone ever seen these people showing this kind of "unity" for a national cause??
@Israr Khan Ismailzai yes they unite against any project which benefits the country and not them like building dams, making more schools, creating jobs. They keep the nation divided by exploiting people's emotions pretending to be our saviours.
Forget about Shakespearean tragedy, these guys will soon be facing personal tragedies and bankruptcies, for they have not have enough time to loot the nation properly
o marvelous at last the united but for own vested interest shame on such democracy and this parliament
The saving grace in this entirely contrived drama has been the parliament of Pakistan, which has united in support of the Prime Minister, unworthy though he may be.
The middle class always wants instant results and throws its lot in with personalities like Mussolini. Make the trains run on time, they say, or give me an efficient government. But that is not the purpose of government in a poor country like Pakistan or India. The purpose of government is to provide for the common good: law and order, education, health care, mundane things that citizens of the West take for granted.
Institutions are more important than personalities. Nawaz Sharif may be a fool, but IK and TuQ are surely knaves of the first water. They have worked as the military's cat's paw to undermine Pakistan's fragile democracy. I do not know if Musharraf should be tried for treason or not , or whether Geo should be shut down, but these are questions for the civil authority to decide, not the military and its minions.
If any good comes out of this mess, it will be the discrediting of IK and TuQ, and, perhaps, of the military.
They are united to save their own vested interests - past two days speeches are explicit proof of this - instead of becoming united to solve public problems.