ISLAMABAD: Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri conceded it was a mistake to promote a private builder by using both his office and official position.

Suri can be seen in a video sitting in his office under the official flags and a photograph of the Quaid-i-Azam in the background to shower praises on a real estate agency and its owner, announcing the firm’s plan to expand its network to Lahore after Islamabad and UAE, and wishing the private business a success.

Talking to Dawn, Suri said he had received a request for recording his message expressing good wishes for the builder and had sent sample videos of cricket stars including Inzimamul Haq, Umar Gul, Shoaib Malik and Mushtaq Ahmed in which they wished well to the company.

“I did it in goodwill without realising that I am in my office. I should have done this somewhere outside,” he admitted. He, however, said it was an honest mistake.

He also forwarded to this scribe, a recorded request from an unidentified person calling him brother and saying that he too was a celebrity and should make one such video ahead of the launch of the company’s office in Lahore.

Commenting on the unusual video, lawmakers from the opposition termed the misuse of official position by such an important office holder as unfortunate and said the act had not only belittled the parliament but also created doubts that the move was meant for monetary benefits.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui of PML-N when contacted called for formation of a parliamentary committee comprising senior lawmakers to probe the entire episode.

He said Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate are custodians of the two houses and are supposed to act as guardians to protect dignity of the parliament.

He said it was unfortunate that a person holding such an important position uses his office to promote a purely commercial venture.

“This is not only contempt of the parliament but also an insult of his office and democratic values,” he remarked.

Siddiqui said nobody could be allowed to misuse his office and official position to promote his vested interests.

He was of the view that Suri should come to the House to explain his position and tender an apology.

PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said the unprecedented misuse of state power was unfortunate. She regretted there was no realisation that this was a clear case of conflict of interest.

She said high offices of the parliament cannot be used to promote private business activities. She said it was most unfortunate that one of the most prestigious offices had been used for it. “This action has made Pakistan a laughing stock,” she remarked.

A federal minister when contacted agreed on the condition of anonymity that what had happened was against the spirit of PTI’s policy and what it’s chief Imran Khan stands for.

He said promotion of a commercial activity by such an important office holder was inappropriate. He indicated that the move might land Suri in trouble.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2021