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Speaker warns against anti-parliament remarks amid Achakzai controversy

Published on: December 2, 2025 2:41 PM

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar interacts with Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other PTI legislators during the National Assembly session on Monday.—White Star

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Monday issued a strong warning against what he described as anti-parliament statements by Pakhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai.

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Although nominated by the PTI as the new opposition leader, Mr Achakzai’s appointment has not yet been notified by the speaker, who said he was duty-bound to defend the dignity of parliament.

Without naming the PkMAP chairman, Mr Sadiq said the lawmaker had allegedly entered the Parliament House vowing to disrupt proceedings and later threatened to mobilise public force against the assembly. The speaker said that such behaviour must be discouraged collectively to protect parliamentary supremacy and democratic norms.

His remarks prompted an immediate response from PTI lawmakers, including party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who assured the House that the party had no intention of attacking parliament. He urged the speaker not to escalate tensions, insisting that politicians retained the right to comment on parliamentary conduct.

During his speech, Barrister Gohar referred to Mr Achakzai as the opposition leader, but the speaker interjected, refusing to acknowledge him in that capacity due to ongoing legal proceedings. The position has remained vacant since Omar Ayub’s disqualification earlier this year.

Mr Sadiq also recalled the 2014 sit-in, revealing that he once received a threatening message warning him to end a joint session within minutes or face the storming of parliament. He reiterated that any threats against the institution would be countered firmly, noting that parliament was the “house of the people” and its honour must be protected.

A resolution condemning Mr Achakzai’s alleged remarks was read out by PML-N’s Shumaila Rana, though the speaker declined to put it to a vote. He reiterated his openness to dialogue, while government ministers rejected PTI demands for meetings with jailed leader Imran Khan as a precondition for talks.

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The session also saw sharp debate over possible governor’s rule in KP, with PTI’s Asad Qaiser terming it undemocratic while Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar insisted it remained a constitutional option. The assembly later passed two amendment bills before adjourning until Tuesday.

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