On Monday, the National Assembly witnessed uproar as opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) members protested, demanding a general debate on a letter written by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) alleging surveillance by intelligence agencies and interference in judicial matters. Despite their calls, the treasury benches and speaker labeled it a sub judice matter.
Carrying placards advocating for Imran Khan’s release and justice for the judges, PTI lawmakers gathered in front of the speaker’s dais, disrupting routine proceedings with vigorous slogans. PTI leader Omar Ayub urged Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to allow a debate, emphasizing that the agenda issued by the secretariat didn’t reflect the reality.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar argued that Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s suo motu notice had made the matter sub judice. PTI’s chief whip Aamir Dogar countered, highlighting the constitutional crisis posed by the letter and calling for parliamentary discussion. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized the judges’ concerns about ongoing interference and proposed a resolution against it.
The session also saw debates on other pressing issues, including terrorism and economic challenges, while the speaker administered oaths to ten newly-elected members before adjourning the session indefinitely per the president’s prorogation order.
