Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, has suspended Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) member Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel for the entire budget session after finding him guilty of using inappropriate language against female lawmakers. This decision was taken to maintain the decorum and respect of the assembly proceedings.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Violation of Assembly Rules:
- Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel was accused of using offensive language directed at female members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during the ongoing budget discussion for the fiscal year 2024-25.
- Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that such language was unprecedented and unacceptable in the House.
- Immediate Response:
- Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa, who was presiding over the session at the time, promptly turned off Mastikhel’s microphone to prevent further inappropriate remarks.
- Despite this action, Mastikhel’s comments had already caused a significant uproar.
- Protest and Demand for Suspension:
- Female lawmakers from PML-N protested vehemently, gathering in front of the Speaker’s rostrum and demanding Mastikhel’s suspension.
- They also visited the Speaker’s chamber to press their demands, leading to the decision to suspend Mastikhel for the remainder of the budget session.
- Previous Incident:
- This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Previously, PML-Q’s Tariq Bashir Cheema was involved in a verbal altercation with PTI leader Zartaj Gul, which also led to tensions and protests within the assembly.
- In that incident, Cheema allegedly used abusive language, prompting a strong reaction from SIC members and an apology from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and PML-N leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to the SIC.
Conclusion:
The suspension of Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and professional environment. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s decisive action aims to ensure that parliamentary debates are conducted with the dignity and decorum befitting the legislative body. This incident also highlights ongoing tensions and the need for stricter enforcement of rules to prevent similar occurrences in the future.