ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 Eleven parliamentarians were found violating the law and rule of the National Assembly during its last session by taking unconcerned people inside Parliament House without proper permit and security clearance, sources told Dawn.

The sources said the practice was a serious security concern and threat for the Parliament House, other sensitive installations adjacent to the building and the parliamentarians.

The police expressed the fear view that some of the people going inside the Parliament House violating the rules may have passed information regarding security arrangements in and around the building and the red zone to militants.

The sources said a complaint was lodged with the National Assembly secretary about the violations committed by the parliamentarians.

The parliamentarians not only forcefully took their visitors inside the house but also stopped the police personnel from conducting their physical search.

According to the law, a visitor should have a permit (entry pass) issued by the National Assembly Secretariat on the recommendation of an MNA to enter the building. However, it was observed that some MNAs took visitors along from Gate No 1, which is reserved only for parliamentarians.

The sources said complaints were also lodged with the superintendent of police National Assembly by the police personnel deployed at the gates against misbehavior and threats by the parliamentarians.

The complainants said the parliamentarians failed to produce passes for the visitors besides disallowing them to conduct their physical search.

According to the data during the last session of the house from August 3 to 21, Pakistan People's Party MNA from Dadu Talat Iqbal took eight visitors inside the National Assembly without passes and physical search.

Likewise, PPP MNA from Gujranwala Imtiaz Safdar took five visitors inside the building in the same manner followed by another PPP MNA from lower Dir Malik Azmat Khan with four visitors.

Pakistan People's Party MNA from Rahim Yar Khan Javed Iqbal Warrich, PPP MNA from Lahore Tariq Shabbir, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA from Sheikhupura Sardar Mohammad Irfan Dogar; PML-N MNA from Narowal Sumaira Yasir and PML-N's Rana Abdul Sattar from Sialkot took three visitors each inside the assembly without passes and search.

Similarly, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) MNA from Hafizabad Chaudhry Liquat Abbas Bhatti and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Abid Sher Ali from Faisalabad also took two visitors each inside the assembly.

Opinion

Editorial

After the deluge
Updated 16 Jun, 2024

After the deluge

There was a lack of mental fortitude in the loss against India while against US, the team lost all control and displayed a lack of cohesion and synergy.
Fugue state
16 Jun, 2024

Fugue state

WITH its founder in jail these days, it seems nearly impossible to figure out what the PTI actually wants. On one...
Sindh budget
16 Jun, 2024

Sindh budget

SINDH’S Rs3.06tr budget for the upcoming financial year is a combination of populist interventions, attempts to...
Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...