National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq delivered a firm message on the sanctity of parliamentary discourse during his visit to the prestigious National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore on Saturday. The Speaker made it unequivocally clear that the House would not permit any statements deemed against the state, its judiciary, the role of judges, or the armed forces of Pakistan.
A Firm Stance on Parliamentary Boundaries
According to details from a press release, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq stressed that any statement targeting the armed forces of Pakistan is completely unacceptable. He clarified that discussions within the National Assembly must strictly adhere to the constitutional and legal framework of the country. The Speaker categorically stated that individuals seeking to speak against Pakistan itself would not be given a platform to express such views in the parliament.
Elaborating on his role, Sadiq emphasized his impartiality, noting that he is neither part of the government nor the opposition. "As Speaker, I will perform my duties in an impartial manner in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly," he affirmed.
On Democratic Rights and National Outlook
The Speaker also addressed the right to protest, acknowledging it as a fundamental democratic right of every citizen. However, he insisted that all protests must remain peaceful. He declared there is no room for arson, damage to life and property, or vandalism, terming the use of sticks and weapons as alarming actions that pose a serious threat to the rule of law.
On the national front, Speaker Sadiq revealed that he holds regular consultations with the Prime Minister, who has never restrained him from exercising his constitutional authority. He expressed optimism about Pakistan's economy, stating it is gradually strengthening, which is clear evidence of growing economic stability.
He further highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic standing, noting that the country enjoys strong and cordial relations with key friendly nations including the United States, China, Russia, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
Praise for NCA and a Call for Shared Responsibility
During his visit to the NCA campus, the Speaker lauded the institution as a prestigious center of higher learning that has carved a unique identity at both national and international levels. He appreciated the research-based creative work of the NCA students, calling the youth studying there a valuable national asset achieving remarkable success in various fields.
Concluding his remarks on a broader national issue, the NA Speaker stated that every country harbors illegal elements. "Combating them is a shared responsibility of both the state and the public in order to steer the country towards development and prosperity," he asserted, calling for collective vigilance and action.
