ISLAMABAD (Bakhabar Pakistan) – The National Assembly session on Tuesday concluded with an indefinite adjournment following a charged speech by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, who sharply criticized the government for passing six bills using what he described as “forceful” methods.
Omar Ayub lamented that the opposition was silenced during the legislative process, asserting that these bills should have been reviewed by the Standing Committee to allow for thorough discussion. His portrayal of the previous day’s legislative proceedings as a “shameful incident” and his branding of the ruling coalition as a “government of thieves” drew immediate reactions.
In response, Deputy Speaker Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah directed that Ayub’s contentious remarks be expunged from the official record. The session’s live broadcast on the assembly’s YouTube channel was interrupted as Ayub spoke, a move that was similarly seen earlier when the PTV Parliament’s YouTube feed was cut as he began his speech.
References to May 9 and Provincial Concerns
Omar Ayub drew comparisons to the May 9 incidents, pledging to educate students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa about alleged acts of federal forces’ vandalism at KP House, akin to how the damage to Jinnah House in Lahore was showcased. “We will show our youth how a province was invaded,” he stated, underscoring what he perceived as excessive force by the government.
The opposition leader pointed out that, unlike the packed house seen during the passage of the bills, the assembly was now nearly empty. He criticized the government’s approach to extending service tenures for armed forces chiefs, arguing that such decisions would negatively impact the careers of many military officers.
During his remarks, Omar Ayub’s microphone was cut off mid-speech. Although the deputy speaker intervened to have it turned back on, the live stream was halted once more when Ayub resumed speaking. He pressed on regardless, comparing the actions of the government to those of the historical conqueror Hulegu Khan (Halaku Khan) and highlighting the severe inflation affecting the nation while the government focused on passing bills.
Economic Critique and Public Sentiment
Highlighting economic issues, Omar Ayub recalled that GDP growth had reached 6 percent during the previous PTI administration. He challenged the ruling coalition to step outside the assembly and ask the public about their experience with inflation. To emphasize his point, he suggested asking even the security personnel nearby if they had seen any relief from rising prices.
Ayub also referenced the resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal from the National Assembly, noting that it had failed to provoke significant reactions from the government or fellow legislators.
Shift in the Assembly’s Tone
The live stream resumed only when PTI-backed MNA Aurangzeb Khichi began his address. Khichi, known for his support of the 26th Amendment, faced chants of “lota” (turncoat) from opposition members as he spoke. He defended his decision, claiming he did not accept any bribes in exchange for his vote and lauding his role in preventing the formation of a “forward block” within PTI.
Following Khichi’s speech, the deputy speaker adjourned the National Assembly session indefinitely, concluding a tumultuous day of sharp critiques and strategic interruptions.
