PML-N demands NA Speaker Asad Qaiser to step down
PML-N leaders were irked over Khawaja Asif not being allowed by NA Speaker Qaiser to speak on the floor of the House
May 09, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday demanded National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser to resign from his post, given the pressure on him.
PML-N leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Asif and others were irked over Asif not being allowed by Speaker Qaiser to speak on the floor of the House during the session earlier today. The speaker had instead permitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Murad Saeed to express his viewpoint.
The decision of the NA speaker prompted a protest by opposition members, who surrounded the speaker's dais.
Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House, Abbasi said Speaker Qaiser had lost the trust of the members due to his behaviour.
"We are not begging, we are asking for our right," he said. "The speaker interrupted Bilawal Bhutto thrice, omitted his words."
Abbasi questioned who had given the speaker the right to not let Asif speak, adding, "It is my request to the speaker to step down, given the pressure on him".
Asif said they would not let the assembly function if they were not allowed to express their views on rising inflation.
"We announce rebellion against this slavery and the government," he said.
