In Islamabad’s National Assembly, chaos erupted as opposition members protested against ‘Operation Azm-e-Istahkam’ in FATA, surrounding the Speaker’s dais during Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s speech. The uproar led to a temporary halt in Asif’s address, with state television muting the broadcast due to the commotion. Asif accused the opposition of siding with terrorists and criticized specific leaders, including Shehryar Afridi, Asad Qaiser, Umar Ayub, and Barrister Gohar, prompting heated exchanges. Information Minister Atta Tarar accused the opposition of hindering efforts. The Taliban emphasized the operation’s necessity for national security.
Despite attempts by various leaders to address the assembly on the operation, disruptions persisted, highlighting deep divisions on the issue. PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan called for judicial commissions on significant historical incidents. While Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the operation’s legitimacy and broad national support, dismissing PTI’s objections. The Prime Minister’s briefing to all party leaders on national security was underscored amid the parliamentary tumult.
Throughout the session, accusations of blackmail and insults were exchanged, with PTI leaders asserting parliamentary oversight over military decisions. Barrister Gohar emphasized the supremacy of parliament in decision-making processes, demanding consultation before primary operations like Azm-e-Istahkam. Asad Qaiser echoed the opposition’s demand that such operations should require parliamentary approval. Who questioned the purpose of parliament if sidelined on crucial national security matters.
In response to criticism, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the government’s stance on combating Taliban influence, dismissing opposition rhetoric as obstructive without offering viable alternatives. The assembly also discussed economic issues and regional concerns, including the treatment of IPPs and education infrastructure challenges.
The session culminated in renewed calls for unity against extremist violence and minority persecution. Issues that Khawaja Asif sought to highlight amidst ongoing interruptions. Despite the heated exchanges and protests, efforts to reassert parliamentary authority in decision-making processes regarding security operations continued to dominate the discourse.
In media interactions following the session, leaders reiterated their positions, with Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser emphasizing. The necessity of parliamentary consensus before military actions. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reiterated the operation’s national security imperative and dismissed PTI’s objections as politically motivated.
Overall, the parliamentary session underscored stark security policy and parliamentary authority divisions, reflecting broader tensions within Pakistan’s political landscape. The opposition’s demands for greater parliamentary oversight clashed with. The government’s assertion of executive authority in national security highlights ongoing challenges in achieving consensus on critical issues affecting the nation’s stability and security.
