‘Where Is Sohail Afridi?’ Achakzai Asks
News Desk
ISLAMABAD: The opposition has called for an immediate debate in the National Assembly over the alleged detention of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, provincial assembly speaker Babar Saleem Swati and several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, raising concerns over parliamentary privileges, constitutional rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
PTI leader and Opposition Chief Whip Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar submitted an adjournment motion to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday, seeking to suspend the House’s regular agenda to discuss the matter.
The motion, submitted under Rules 109 and 110 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, calls for an urgent discussion on the circumstances surrounding the alleged detention of elected representatives and the implications for their constitutional and parliamentary rights.
Besides Sohail Afridi and Babar Saleem Swati, the motion names six members of the National Assembly (MNAs): Amjad Ali Khan, Junaid Akbar, Fazal Muhammad Khan, Zubair Khan, Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Naseem Ali Shah.
The opposition maintains that the alleged detentions raise serious questions about the ability of elected representatives to perform their parliamentary responsibilities. It has urged the House to address the issue and ensure that the constitutional rights and parliamentary privileges of its members are protected.
Achakzai Questions Whereabouts of KP CM
The issue also dominated the National Assembly proceedings, where Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai launched a sharp criticism of the government, questioning the absence of several lawmakers and demanding clarity about the whereabouts of Sohail Afridi.
Speaking on a point of order, Achakzai said the opposition did not intend to harass anyone but wanted the government to explain the situation concerning the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other elected representatives.
“We have no desire to harass anyone; however, you have dissolved the government of a province. Now, tell us: where are the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and our fellow assembly members?” he asked.
Achakzai pointed to the absence of several National Assembly members, including Junaid Akbar, Naseem Shah, Adil Bazai and Uzair Khan, and stressed that their presence in the House was essential for parliamentary business.
He argued that even if a lawmaker faced serious allegations, the Speaker had a responsibility to ensure that the member could attend parliamentary proceedings through the issuance of production orders, where applicable.
The opposition leader said he wanted to see his colleagues present in the House and ensure that they were given an opportunity to express their views.
Opposition Demands Protection of Parliamentary Privileges
Addressing Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Achakzai called for free and fair elections, arguing that the credibility of democratic institutions depended on protecting the rights of elected representatives.
“We ask for nothing from you; simply ensure that free and fair elections are held,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the legal consequences faced by lawmakers over statements made during parliamentary proceedings, arguing that members should not be arrested or subjected to legal action for exercising their parliamentary rights.
“If members are not even given the chance to speak, what purpose does the Parliament serve?” he questioned.
Drawing on a historical example, Achakzai recalled an account from 600 years ago in which a king sought the presence of five members and the Speaker respected the request. He used the anecdote to question why his current appeals for the presence and protection of fellow lawmakers were not receiving a similar response.
The opposition leader warned that although laws could be enacted, those responsible would ultimately have to face the consequences of their decisions.
Achakzai also called for other lawmakers present in the House, including Sanaullah Mastikhel and Kundi, to be given an opportunity to speak.
The adjournment motion and the opposition leader’s remarks have brought parliamentary representation, the treatment of elected lawmakers and the protection of constitutional rights into focus, with the opposition pressing for an immediate debate in the National Assembly.
