Absence during dharna: NA vote to de-seat PTI MNAs deferred for one week

E-Paper | July 31, 2026

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday deferred voting by one week on a resolution,submitted by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), to de-seat members of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) from the NA owing to their absence from the lower house of parliament during the party's 126-day sit-in in Islamabad,

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar informed the Speaker that the government wants to move forward with a positive approach, and that voting on resolution against the PTI should be deferred as the government is ready to discuss issues with the party outside the parliament.

PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that his party wants to play positive role in parliament but the house may de-seat PTI MNAs if it deems it appropriate.

Earlier on April 22, members of the MQM and the JUI-F requested the NA Speaker consider motions moved by MQM MNA Muhammad Salman Khan Baloch and JUI-F MNA Naeema Kishwer.

The motions called for the seats of 28 PTI members ─ who were absent without leave of the NA for 40 consecutive days of sitting ─ to be declared vacant under Clause (2) of Article 64 of the Constitution.

It is important to mention here that the MQM and the JUI-F moved motions on April 22 under rule 44 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007 to de-seat PTI members of the NA but Ayaz Sadiq said that the consideration of motions regarding the de-seating of PTI MNAs will be taken up after seven days under 'Rules and Procedures’.

The names of the PTI MNAs mentioned in the motion include: Engineer Hamidul Haq, Asad Umar, Sajid Nawaz, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Imran Khattak, Imran Khan, Engineer Ali Muhammad Khan Advocate, Amjad Ali Khan, Mujahid Ali, Shafqat Mehmood, Aqibullah, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi, Shehryar Afridi, Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Khiyal Zaman Orakzai, Arif Alvi, Dr Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon, Dr Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari, Dawar Khan Kundi, Munaza Hassan, Col (retd) Ameerullah Marwat, Nafeesa Inyatullah Khan Khattak, Murad Saeed, Sajida Begum, Junaid Akbar, Ayesha Gulalai, Qaiser Jamal and Lal Chand.

PTI announced on August 18 last year that it would boycott the national and provincial assembles as all other options of relief against alleged election rigging were exhausted. However, earlier this year, the party decided to join parliament after almost seven months of absence from the assemblies.

Replacement of KP transformers

Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali told the NA that 382 transformers have been replaced in Charsadda, Mardan and Lakki Marwat districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure the smooth supply of electricity in the province, Radio Pakistan reported.

The minister replied to a calling attention notice moved by Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah and others regarding the non-replacement of transformers in the districts which are out of order and overloaded.

He said that faulty transformers are replaced within 24 hours but it would take four to five days for the replacement of transformers in high-loss areas.

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responsible

Jul 28, 2015 01:56pm

Another politics.

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SAB

Jul 28, 2015 02:00pm

PMLN should be careful what it wants...if it gets that it will rue it.

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MirA1

Jul 28, 2015 02:02pm

Love how they have united against PTI. Who would've imagined MQM, ANP, JUIF on same page. Wah Khan Sahab- tabdeeli agyi hai :) May God bless IK, we need him in Pakistan.

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Shakil Ahmed Khan

Jul 28, 2015 02:03pm

they deserve to be humiliated for being so naive to accept PMLN face saving plan! JC outcome was already decided, as per plan they didnt expose the 35 punctures. Imran should resign from his party leadership too as he failed PTI voters who trusted him and making claims to have elections in 2015!

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tajamal

Jul 28, 2015 02:04pm

these guys doing nothing except blaming and pulling one another legs. they should be terminated from NA and let them waste their money and time on their personal hatred rather than wasting people time and money.

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Miqbal Rangoonwala

Jul 28, 2015 02:10pm

No body interested for poor people but interested in their seats

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Zahid Khan

Jul 28, 2015 02:16pm

Wasting Time and public money!!!

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Pakistani

Jul 28, 2015 02:19pm

@MirA1 There were never any political differences b/w MQM and JUI (F), yes ideological differences are there but you see that's the beauty of democracy you have to talk & collaborate with each other no matter how many difference there are......and must not wait public time and energy in a stupid Dharna....

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Muhammad Imran Yousafzai

Jul 28, 2015 02:20pm

It has already been too late!

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Rahi Milla

Jul 28, 2015 02:22pm

Clever move by Noon league. PTI is in a straight-jacket now. Please don't punch them too much.

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S. Ullah Swati

Jul 28, 2015 02:23pm

Flooded Pakistan and the drama of the politicians in the parlaiment! Shame and shame!

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cmh

Jul 28, 2015 02:26pm

Speaker NA should first be prosecuted for violating the constitutional provision regarding PTI resignations.

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Acorn Guts

Jul 28, 2015 02:27pm

Yeah, we'll worry about impending floods, terrorism & energy crisis later .. like, just before the next elections.

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Sahil

Jul 28, 2015 02:28pm

discuss with which party? I think PMLN is digging another grave for them, they are thankless being given so big relief by judiciary in their mass rigging

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Viking Star

Jul 28, 2015 02:28pm

MQM faces biggest challenge from PTI in Karachi, Diesel has been thrown out by PTI. So obviously YES, both the MQM and JUI-F would want to save their skins from PTI.

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Haroon

Jul 28, 2015 02:30pm

I am wondering if the PM is exempt from attending the Parliament? As the first year after elections Nawaz Sharif hardly used to attend the session and only came back after the Dharna and suddenly the Parliament became very important for him.

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Zia

Jul 28, 2015 02:32pm

whether or not PTI is in or outside this assembly itself is useless and a bunch of cheaters, a collection of insincere people who are out there to damage Pakistan. High time to neutralize the so called democratic parties and move forward with honest people. The general public in Pakistan is very very disappointed all these so called representatives of people. With every passing day problems multiply not with senseless planning and poor governance

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Dr.Sadaf

Jul 28, 2015 02:33pm

When power goes to your head thus the vindictive approach, adults behaving in this manner what message are we giving the world. Such policies will not harm the economic corridor?

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Sher

Jul 28, 2015 02:37pm

Mr. IK and PTI - Free advice for you and your party; 1) Let them do it, you should also announce to dissolve the KPK Assembly. 2)Then agitate for new elections 3)Ask House of Sharif to resign and make a new set up for 2/3 years, who will first do EHTISAAAB, I am sure all these including Sharifs and Zardari and Toola will be disqualified. It will be a great service of People of Pakistan than your prime minister-ship.

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Amin Ansari

Jul 28, 2015 02:47pm

Watch how The Coalition of the Corrupt will now come together on everything to protect their corrupt ways. Unfortunately, JC decision has emboldened the corrupt in the country and have given them a legal cover.

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fida USA

Jul 28, 2015 02:53pm

@tajamal I would blame the people of Pakistan for electing such no good to the National Assembly. If constitution calls for the removal of those who do not attend the Assembly for a long period of time without notifying the Speaker than those members should be removed from the Assemblies.

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Mohammad Dubai

Jul 28, 2015 02:53pm

De-seat this bunch of entertainers movement. Their leader was and still is an entertainer and does not qualify to be a leader of a Muslin Nation.

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Tanweer Khan

Jul 28, 2015 03:01pm

The first pillar of democracy is to respect the constitution and parliament. If you don't honour the oath you take when being sworn in - then, in my personal view, you don't deserve to be a member of parliament. Of course, people can talk about technicalities, resignations, vote rigging etc - but parliament should be sacrosanct and not trivialised as a mere vehicle for ego maniacs to gain some publicity and exposure. If you are going to de-seat PTI MNAs ; you also need to look at the knock-on effects and the repercussions. Either you will have chaos on the streets, or mostly the same people will get re-elected - so what is the point anyway. Maybe, a law needs to be enacted that bans people who have been de-seated from standing for election again - but clearly that won't apply this time. And even if it did, you could probably circumvent it on a technicality. Best bet now is to just move forward with the PTI in parliament. Sometimes, it is just best to let bygones be bygones.

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Mumtaz Baig

Jul 28, 2015 03:06pm

It is a struggle against the thughs. Thughs will do anything in their power to de seat PTI.

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Kamal Pasha

Jul 28, 2015 03:07pm

What about our PM? He does not attend the proceedings of the parliament. He is by law to attend every proceeding. He should also be de seated from the parliament and the post of PM also.

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Naeem

Jul 28, 2015 03:10pm

How PTI, sheikh rasheed, PML (Q), MQM, PAT joined together at the dharna. Corrupts attract corrupts. Now PTI is trying for face saving by fighting against MQM from whom Imran Khan was asking for help through Arif alvi. shame. They should be de-seated and you'l see again feudal, corrupt politicians on the roads with PTI. Already some corrupt politicians have joined PTI, so not far away.

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KeyPoints

Jul 28, 2015 03:15pm

This is a sham democracy, this a khandani democracy, is is dharna democracy, amd this is often hochus-phocus election democracy. Where some ultra rich politicians run big political parties with slogans based on family last names, grooming young 'prince' to take over next generations. There is no public service, no planning to poor and destitutes of countries, flood victims, line up in karachi for clean water, suffer under electricity crises, and no money for medical treatment. While many politicians rip country off, getting wealthy, influence peddling, more mills, more land, more castle like houses, more investment in Dubai and London etc. Why corrupt people are not punished, put in jail and shun from politics for life. Its disgusting.

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Petrolhead

Jul 28, 2015 03:39pm

Don't think it (deseating of PTI MNAs) will happen. But it'll be good for PTI if it did.

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Mohammed

Jul 28, 2015 03:43pm

Such a resolution will bring nothing but chaos in Pakistan.

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M.Saeed

Jul 28, 2015 03:48pm

Why the NA got "bakkari" ? Should have acted boldly and voted as due.

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KHI91

Jul 28, 2015 03:49pm

Someone should answer the legality of PM in the house as well, people shouldn't forget that he spoke a blatant lie standing on the flour of the house. Same judiciary gave him the clean chit in this as well.

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Ustaad

Jul 28, 2015 03:56pm

Its clever politics just to malign PTI. PML-N somehow will manage to withdraw the allied party not to pass this.

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Hindutavi Rakshas

Jul 28, 2015 03:56pm

N will.drag this issue as long as possible to discredit and bring Pti.under pressure, but it is not going to work as they were.not serious in.accepting Ptiembers resignations earlier. It is all a drama to.l drag attention economic terrorist in different parts of the countries.

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Iqbal Khan

Jul 28, 2015 04:01pm

If judicial commission has deferred political chaos in its decision, parliament must be careful of not taking such a step to sabotage PTI. The later, however, is a potent symbol of people representation greater than any other party on ground. We all with IK, a symbol of honesty and principles.

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Iftikhar Husain

Jul 28, 2015 04:01pm

It is high time to correct the wrong the election was not fair and the PTI was right to protest when nobody in the government was ready to listen.

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Haque Parast

Jul 28, 2015 04:05pm

Another muk muka.

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Jul 28, 2015 04:15pm

What is PTI...? Party of Feudal and Smugglers... These lottas are with them now and in few months will change party...

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Truth

Jul 28, 2015 04:29pm

PMLN blackmailing PTI. Go for voting as per NA procedures and not on whims of individuals / vested interests. Can Ishaq Dar / Ayaz Sadiq explain why to discuss de-seating issue outside NA?

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Common man

Jul 28, 2015 04:30pm

Good move. Watch behaviour of PTI for one week then decide. If they behave like parliamentary nice people allow them to stay. If they behave like street Gunday, through them in garbage.

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M. Siddique

Jul 28, 2015 04:31pm

Only the voters have the right to de-seat any MNA. Remember, people are ultimate custodians of the parliament.

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Zafar Ahmed

Jul 28, 2015 04:36pm

Nothing is right in this country , our assemblies are elite clubs where the members enjoys all sort of facilities to enrich them and all are there for the love of common masses of the poor country. This is the biggest joke of the century that 2013 elections were fair & crystal and if so than what is the need of electrol reforms . All the political parties have raised the issue of rigging in the election'2013 but our our honorable "JC" have declared the elections were free & fair.

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Amjed Kamboh

Jul 28, 2015 04:37pm

I think both PTI and PML(N) wanted to collaborate but the other parties not want such happening will take place. Public should be isuue oriented critical not party oriented critical. sentiments should deliver in the interests of Pakistan not in the interest of any Party. This gesture will make us to better decide our elected peopels.Just think this is a positive phase of democracy that patience is exhibited from both main parties. Better luck both PML(N)& PTI.

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Zubaida khan

Jul 28, 2015 04:40pm

@Sahil what mass rigging. Are you saying that the judiciary is biased? If so where is the proof and where are you witnesses? In Pakistan anyone who loses always claims that the loss was unfair. We have never learnt to grace fully accept defeat. Or taught our kids the same.

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Pukar

Jul 28, 2015 04:40pm

Can we leave the childish behaviour behind and move on, both PTI & PML(N). It's time to help the flood victims, do they realise that?

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Zeeshan

Jul 28, 2015 04:47pm

Its utter shame for PTI.

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Zubaida khan

Jul 28, 2015 04:47pm

@Haroon I don't think PM is exempt, but under house rules he can send a proxy. PM and cabinet members have to chair and attend committe meetings for their portfolios. Due to the nature of the job the rules allow the PM to be away as long as there is representation.

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zafar

Jul 28, 2015 04:48pm

From what one has seen of PTI's behavior PMLN would be making a serious political mistake by being nice to PTI.

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Zubaida khan

Jul 28, 2015 04:58pm

@Kamal Pasha he sends a proxy. By law the PM is only required to attend in person when it's a joint session. If PM were to attend all sessions he would not have time to attend to the matters of state, chair cabinet meetings, receive foreign dignitaries or represent the country internationally.

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Tirah wall

Jul 28, 2015 05:03pm

Coming Back to NA was a mistake of PTI.. Carry on with the de seat move it would be like a blessing for PTI and pak... Personally i don't want to see being there in NA while thugs and looters are ruling the country...

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Baki

Jul 28, 2015 05:05pm

The about photo explains why Imran is in such a mess. His assistants ruined his career and hopes of those who see in him a saviour

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Jeera Blade

Jul 28, 2015 05:15pm

@Viking Star Sorry to burst you bubble dude, people of Karachi are quite intelligent, NA246's results are good enough to prove this. We don't like Jihadis and any parties supporting their stupid ideology. IK's mental condition is quite obvious, how stupid is to call for negotiations with TTP after APS massacre.

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Muslim by-the-way

Jul 28, 2015 05:16pm

Am very amused to read comments of PTI workers on this page by using different words and id's - but the common people are not that s t u p i d. Let the LAW of land prevail - Why everyone wants LAW to be put aside for the sake of few PTI comical characters - NA is the supreme institution of this country - the Law Makers must adhere to the rule and law of this land. PTI members - themselves should have resigned instead Speaker ask them to leave. Period.

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N H RANA

Jul 28, 2015 05:18pm

All cheating so-called political parties have joined hands as ever to oust members of a political party which they seem is cable of challenging their NOORA KUSHTI TACTICS. Minds you they are not aware(may be) that time is changing and changing fast, so they should think vary care fully before do any thing silly.

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Tariq Awan

Jul 28, 2015 05:26pm

I think PTI would be waiting to get sympathy votes, for face saving, otherwise, they are completely empty handed. I think they should be de-seated as per rules, and by-elections be conducted to vacant seats.

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PHILOSOPHER (from Japan)

Jul 28, 2015 05:31pm

@Viking Star Living in a fool's paradise...you need to correct your record. PTI was heavily defeated in Karachi (NA-246) despite using all Govt. machinery including the deployment of LEAs inside polling booth. It is pertinent to mention that male LEAs personnels were deployed inside female booth as well. Can anyone thinks of doing such thing in KPK where women are not even allowed to caste their constitutional right. Don't make Karachi your ground and MQM your punching bag all the time. P.S. I am neither the fan of MQM nor I like Mr. Altaf but want to represent the facts correctly without any prejudice.

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syed

Jul 28, 2015 05:44pm

@Sahil why thankless. PML N were posturing to forgive and forget and move on. But Imran and PTI, to cover their embarassment wanted PM to resign. Doesn't make sense. Its PTI who is in a bad position because of their stance and attitude.

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Aurangzeb

Jul 28, 2015 06:25pm

Another cheap trick from PLMN to divert attention from real issues !

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zia

Jul 28, 2015 06:27pm

Watching the comments of PTI leaders and their supporters it is now evident that they were and are not ready to accept the verdict of JC. It's now time to deal with them in their language.

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Irfan

Jul 28, 2015 06:28pm

@MirA1 Well said. The only positive side of this dharna is to show all the negative forces are on the same page for their own interests.

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Jaleel Rahman

Jul 28, 2015 07:21pm

Evil seems to be winning. But is it what God wills for the people of Pakistan?

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Haroon

Jul 28, 2015 07:22pm

@zia You should indulge in constructive dialogue instead of uttering threats.

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Khan- USA

Jul 28, 2015 07:32pm

PML N here is trying to bargain with PTI . PMLN want the opposition to remain divided. Where PPP works as B team and PTI works as C team.

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Shah, Canada

Jul 28, 2015 08:07pm

Deseat PTI members and it will cause Federal Govt to fall. Other Govts will follow...

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Shah, Canada

Jul 28, 2015 08:09pm

@Zia You did not say anything about PPP and MQM ...man???

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Zafar

Jul 28, 2015 08:14pm

I just checked the National Assembly website attendance roll during the Budget session which lasted 15 days. NS showed up on 4 of those days, Hamza Shahbaz didn't show up on a single day. Also HS controls the PSDP, so his absence during this period is meaningful. I also listened to Asad Umar's key speech during the budget session, and pretty much the entire house was empty. So all those bashing PTI should first look themselves in the mirror. It is PTI which is keeping this assembly alive, otherwise it just might as well be dead.

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Ocean Apart

Jul 28, 2015 08:23pm

JC report has legalised corruption in election and encouraged mafia to unite against educated class who wants change

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Sarwar, USA

Jul 28, 2015 08:37pm

Talk about dams and floods instead of de-seating somebody. BTW where is Nawaz Sharif???

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warsi

Jul 28, 2015 08:45pm

Rule of Law must be Upheld. If constitution demands action against violation then regardless law must take its own course. We must setup an example for any future repeat of violation of law. Speaker and all other Assembly members have taken an oath to protect the constitution as such honor the oath.

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KeyPoints

Jul 28, 2015 08:52pm

Unfortunately, the 'culture of corruption' has seaped in to almost all segments of the society. Key reason is 'muk-muka' policy, there is no real opposition anymore, only lip service 7 covering each others corruption. Low IQ people will still be singing songs to two family run political parties (businesses), and it'll continue to be business as usual. They will not allow any democratic elections within political parties, on groom next 'next prince' to take over partiy leaderships. That is democracy, pakistani style.

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Syed

Jul 28, 2015 09:30pm

Now PTI members have no moral back up to sit in the parliament. JC said no rigging. But PTI thinks otherwise. So why to sit there.

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muhammad yousuf saleem

Jul 28, 2015 09:53pm

what is the need of resolution when everything is clearly mentioned in the law.any member who is absent for a specified period stands disqualified and he can't claim any salary also for that period.it is strange that our parliament does not follow any rules and they want other institutions of state to follow rules. pti membres should also follow law andthey should not have come to assembly at all.i think there is no self respect rule with our so called elite class.

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malzy

Jul 28, 2015 10:22pm

Makes no difference to PTI if De-seated. PTI has more power on streets, de seating will be like setting PTI out on the streets again. Which will cause a lot more problems for PML- N

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Haque Parast

Jul 28, 2015 10:34pm

My question is... if a MNA takes nationality of another country, or is sent to jail, or found having fake degree etc. should the assembly take months of debate and a voting to disqualify that MNA? so why wasting/taking time and having a vote on this? I completely fail to understand why everyone is bashing MQM and JUIF for doing what Speaker of National Assembly should have done a long time ago. It is not a political but a pure technical issue. PTI should have been de-seated automatically the day they had more than allowed absences, PERIOD.

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Shahid Akbar, USA

Jul 28, 2015 10:40pm

PTI is a joke now. Just follow the social media and see.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 28, 2015 11:44pm

This is all drama. PTI and PML-N are one from inside. They are 2 sides of the same coin

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Zafar

Jul 29, 2015 02:19am

@Haque Parast During the Budget session of the NA which lasted 15 days, Farooq Sattar did not show up at all. Care to explain why?

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Haleem Ahmed Karachi

Jul 29, 2015 02:22am

MQM have no job just to put their figure in other non-issue, they have major issue of QUOTA system which never ever they talk. MQM should support Rangers for the betterment of Karachi no need to support JUF for out seating PTI. keep away yourself. work with rangers give us peace.

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kirther

Jul 29, 2015 03:30am

The present government is more concerned about completing its term rather than undertaking any serious initiative to improve the crumbling system. How can the present PML-N government be considered democratic after being involved in massacre of innocent people in Lahore -when justice is the very essence of any honest system. How can the present political system in the country be considered efficient and honest when some members of the assembly are known to have used bogus educational transcript and degrees for participating in the elections and are perhaps still sitting in the sessions. Why is it that instead of action as per rules the present Speaker is more concerned about underhand dealing with PTI. The present bunch of political leaders are devoid of even the minimum standards of morality.

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