Ayaz Sadiq tells NA details of his conversation with Altaf

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Thursday that, despite knowing he would be criticised for speaking to Altaf Hussain, he contacted the MQM chief keeping in view the requirements of his position as National Assembly Speaker.

The NA Speaker said this while addressing the National Assembly session today in which the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) withdrew their motions demanding the de-seating of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers over their absence from Parliament for 40 consecutive days during the party’s sit-in protest last year.

On Wednesday, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had telephoned MQM chief Altaf Hussain, asking him to withdraw the motion.

Addressing the assembly session today, Sadiq said that he had also spoken to Altaf Hussain regarding his recent contentious speeches, telling him that his criticism the hurt the Pakistan army, Rangers and police.

The NA Speaker said that Mr Hussain had asked him to convey his message to parliamentarians.

"These are my own brothers and children, this is my own army, Rangers and police I don’t hurt them," Ayaz Sadiq quoted the MQM supremo as saying.

“When I asked Altaf Hussain to express his sentiments openly, he said present my views in the session,” said the NA Speaker.

Sadiq said that, although some people advised him against talking to the MQM chief, he contacted Mr Hussain keeping in view his duties as National Assembly Speaker. The MQM withdrew its motion against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf after Ayaz Sadiq concluded his speech.