ISLAMABAD(National Times)- A joint sitting of the Parliament on Thursday gave its approval to the Centre\u2019s imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid a strong protest from the opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joint session of the Parliament had been summoned to discuss separate resolutions on the imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP, where the opposition\u2019s PTI was in power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the session, which was addressed by both members of the treasury and opposition benches, the government justified its decision while the PTI lambasted the Centre and the allegations levelled against the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Centre took the measures on Oct 11, citing the provincial government\u2019s \u201cdeliberate disengagement\u201d from the fight against terrorism. The move followed weeks of political tensions between the Centre and the PTI \u2014 as well as negotiations to bridge their differences \u2014 after the latter announced a long march to Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During Thursday\u2019s joint sitting, opposition members turned up carrying placards inscribed with slogans, such as \u201cemergency na manzoor (emergency is unacceptable)\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM Shehbaz, who attended part of the session, shook hands with opposition leaders of both the Senate and the NA, pictures and footage showed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled the two proclamations and separate resolutions regarding the emergency and governor\u2019s rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After hours-long debate, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq put the two resolutions to a vote, while opposition members chanted \u201cemergency unacceptable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The resolutions approving emergency and governor\u2019s rule were then passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the outset of the proceedings, Chaudhry also presented a motion under Rule 232 of the Parliament (Joint Sitting) Rules 1973 to suspend certain sub-rules so he could move the resolutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As loud noes echoed and opposition members chanted \u201cemergency na manzoor\u201d, the speaker again put the motion to a vote by asking the members to stand up, which was then adopted with 214-56 votes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subsequently, Chaudhry moved two resolutions before the joint sitting \u2014 one for approving the Proclamation of Emergency under Article 232 and the second for the proclamation of governor\u2019s rule under Article 234.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar then opened the discussion on the two resolutions and said members of the treasury benches were ready to reply to any query raised by the opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explaining the constitutional process to approve the resolution for emergency, he said the joint sitting could reject it by a total majority, ie 51 per cent. Similarly, the resolution for governor\u2019s rule also required a total majority of votes for approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Parliament also offered prayers for the lives lost, mostly of children, in a roof collapse in Peshawar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joint session took place a day after both Houses of Parliament, in separate sittings, passed resolutions endorsing the imposition of emergency in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Article 232, if the \u201cpresident acts on his own, the Proclamation of Emergency shall be placed\u201d before both Houses of the Parliament for approval by each House within 10 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, a proclamation for governor\u2019s rule issued under Article 234 \u201cshall be laid before a joint sitting and shall cease to be in force at the expiration of two months\u201d, unless a joint sitting approves its extension. However, such a measure shall not remain in force for more than six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naqvi notes \u2018clear stance\u2019 of PTI lawmakers
Speaking during Thursday\u2019s joint sitting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged the opposition to stick to facts when recounting the dialogue held with the government, asserting that the Centre had \u201cno option left\u201d but to impose emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy God, our hearts did not want to do this,\u201d Naqvi remarked, adding that the treasury members were trying their best so that the measures were not taken in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will request only that you let facts remain facts. [\u2026] We had no option left, after which we did this and you will definitely oppose it, but we should consider the facts,\u201d the minister said as he sought to provide a \u201cclarification\u201d on the allegations levelled by the opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease do not say that we misused terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also refuted what he said was the opposition\u2019s stance that the government delegation left the talks. \u201cWe did not get up and leave [\u2026] we did not even urge you to hurry up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naqvi, who was part of the government\u2019s delegation during the Oct 3 talks, emphasised: \u201cWe tried until the last minute [\u2026] It was our effort until the last hour that this (emergency\/governor\u2019s rule) is not imposed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister said the federal government offered its KP counterpart to declare emergency in \u201c12 districts, on which you said fine, let\u2019s do it\u201d. He claimed that PTI\u2019s Asad Qaiser, who was present during the talks, was willing to sign an agreement, but he advised the latter to consult the KP government first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pointing towards the opposition benches, Naqvi affirmed that the government was not levelling allegations against them. \u201cI vouch for those sitting here that you were not even a single step behind on [countering] terrorism,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naqvi further said: \u201cI believe that you, and those we spoke to, particularly Asad Qaiser sahib, as he responded on [the issue] of terrorism that day, I guarantee that even we were not thinking of the things they were speaking on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He went on to acknowledge that all those present in the meeting \u201chad an absolutely clear stance [on terrorism] that we will do this for Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi holds a paper during a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday. \u2014 screengrab via DawnNewsTV
The interior minister, holding a paper, said he suggested to even exclude a term about the PTI calling off its long march, but PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman insisted on keeping it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naqvi noted that Sohail Afridi, the KP chief minister whose role is now non-functional, had not gone to the site of \u201ceven a single operation with the army and only used to say \u2018I cannot afford this politically\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister recalled his efforts to sort out differences between the Centre and KP, such as meetings between Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the issue of provincial funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While saying he did not deem it appropriate to speak about Afridi in his absence, Naqvi claimed he and the PTI leader had discussed a plan to strengthen police forces in five KP districts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the federal government wanted a meeting of the provincial apex committee to be held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA press release had to be issued, which would state that we will fight against terrorism together. You can ask for that press release, what was written in it and what happened; everything is before you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He recalled that some personnel were martyred in an attack \u201cthe same day\u201d, adding that it took place in February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe requested the CM sahib and took him to the funerals with us. That was the last day when CM KP attended the funeral of any army officer or jawaan (soldier),\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister concluded his speech by reaffirming the Centre\u2019s determination to fight the wave of terrorism. He said the fight could not be waged on \u201cunder two [different] policies\u201d of the federation and the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He urged the PTI to hold discussions with the KP government on what matters were wrong, adding: \u201cNo political party should be accused of terrorism. This is a major thing. But if something has happened, it should be fixed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohar objects to allegations of \u2018backing terrorists\u2019
Speaking on the Parliament\u2019s floor, PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the country was going through a \u201cvery fragile situation\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lamented that the KP government was accused of \u201cbacking terrorists\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe prime minister has alleged that we are supporting terrorists. We are disappointed to hear that. You have to apologise to the entire population of KP and us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrime minister, you have given a message to the entire world that one of the federating units of the country was backing terrorists,\u201c Gohar added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He highlighted that the opposition stood with the government during a war with India. \u201cBut today we are called supporters of terrorists,\u201d he regretted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrister Gohar rejected the proclamation of emergency and declared that the PTI will make the country stronger and eradicate terrorism when it comes into power again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also rejected the government\u2019s claims that PTI leaders did not attend funerals of martyrs, recalling that he himself had attended multiple funerals in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohar said the PTI was willing to engage in dialogue with the government provided that its demands were met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lamented that speeches of opposition members were not shown in the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar defends \u2018difficult decision\u2019
Speaking towards the end of the debate, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar defended the federal government\u2019s \u201cdifficult decision\u201d to impose emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar said that the decision was \u201ccategorically\u201d in accordance with the Constitution and appealed to the opposition \u201cnot to misinterpret or misquote facts\u201d to save personal politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet me remind you of the history,\u201d he said, saying that the menace of terrorism emerged after the 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PML-N leader recalled that a multi-party moot was held following the attack, with PTI in attendance and on board with the counterterrorism decisions, including the National Action Plan (NAP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deputy premier recalled that Operation Zarb-i-Azb and Operation Raddul Fasaad were launched against terrorists, adding that data showed their activities had \u201cended after the operations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe all are Pakistanis [\u2026], but we all have the clarity in our minds regarding the facts,\u201d Dar emphasised. Referring to the opposition, Dar said he could see the PTI was against terrorism, but asked who those \u201cfew\u201d were who he alleged opened the borders and let the terrorists enter Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are a few individuals in the party (PTI) who are responsible for the terrorism reaching its peak,\u201d he claimed. \u201cFor how long will we keep repeating the same mistakes due to our petty politics and some individuals?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On political reconciliation, Dar said that the menace of terrorism should be dealt with before any other matter. \u201cIf not now, then when?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also criticised Afridi for holding mobilisation campaigns across Pakistan while his province reeled from the threat of terrorism. Dar contended that the province had \u201ccollapsed in terms of governance\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to the federal cabinet\u2019s Oct 11 meeting in which the decision was made to impose emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP, Dar said that PM Shehbaz left the meeting by saying \u201cit\u2019s now or never\u201d to deal with the deteriorating security situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Achakzai blames \u2018faulty decisions\u2019
Speaking in the Parliament, NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai blamed \u201cfaulty decisions\u201d of the country\u2019s rulers for the current situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He enquired about the whereabouts of Afridi, who was reported to be in preventative custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Achakzai, who leads the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), accused PML-N\u2019s Sadiq of not running the house judiciously as the speaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the opposition was ready for dialogue on issues such as empowerment of Parliament and eradicating terrorism of all kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you hold dialogue on these issues, we will give unconditional support,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opposition leader compared the KP imbroglio to the 1971 separation of East Pakistan, noting that Afridi was called a \u201cterrorist\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWere multiple attacks on the heads of different political parties in the past in KP committed by Sohail Afridi?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Achakzai said terrorism was introduced by those who had brought fighters for the Soviet-Afghan war. \u201cWhen the Afghan war was over, these terrorists were left free in the tribal areas of the country and they started killing Pakistanis,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opposition leader then mentioned the reported deaths during the July unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The TTAP chief sought meetings of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan with his family, friends and party workers. He questioned who had \u201csent\u201d ex-premier Nawaz Sharif to exile in Saudi Arabia and who \u201cmurdered\u201d ex-PM Benazir Bhutto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NA speaker took exception to Achakzai\u2019s remarks on his chairing of the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are saying to me that I am not running the House correctly. You have not read Rule 30. Someone takes their mobile phone; someone disrupts [the proceedings].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadiq further said recordings of members\u2019 speeches that were \u201canti-state\u201d would not be uploaded on the NA\u2019s social media accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas accused the government\u2019s delegation of derailing the dialogue with the opposition, including the Oct 3 talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief said some more time should have been allowed to make the talks successful and called for resolving the public\u2019s issues instead of blaming each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The senator contended that people voted for the PTI in large numbers during the February 2024 general elections in reaction to Imran\u2019s imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noting that this was his first tenure as a parliament member, Abbas said he realised that the Constitution was a safeguard of the rights of people. He further claimed he did not receive a salary or any perks and privileges from the Senate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018We kept waiting\u2019: PPP\u2019s Rehman recounts Oct 3 talks
In her remarks, PPP\u2019s Rehman asked the PTI to define its agenda and reasons for its long march, which the party had announced to stage towards Islamabad but remained within KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The senator added that President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had insisted on resolving issues through dialogue because terrorism was a red line for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She called on the opposition not to dictate to the government and to avoid giving lectures on patriotism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rehman emphasised that everyone was trying to find common ground and \u201ca path of action\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PPP leader objected to the opposition\u2019s claims that the government delegation left the Oct 3 talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe kept waiting for you. The speaker and I ordered food for you as leaving was not being considered. We could have sat till 5am or 6am,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rehman asserted, \u201cWe had said we would wait further [\u2026] This is not fair to say that we said \u2018we are leaving\u2019. Definitely not. Opposite.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on the topic, the NA speaker \u2014 who chaired the talks \u2014 also remarked, \u201cWhat was the hurry in launching the long march?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadiq referred to a post on X made by Afridi about going ahead with the long march even as the negotiations were underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou said to ignore it, so we kept ignoring it till 3am, so I think, if you want to sit again [at the table] then do not go into further details. Those things took place in confidence; bury them here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PPP vice president remarked that the country faced several emergencies, including those regarding education and poverty, that needed to be seen holistically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you think PPP is going to support any sort of emergency which is against the Constitution, you are wrong,\u201d she declared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis Constitution has bound the country together through difficult times. We remember the lessons from the fall of Dhaka,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPPP has seen many phases of the path towards democracy. It (martial law) was a dark chapter in history; we do not want the country to go through such an experience again,\u201d Rehman said, recalling \u201csacrifices\u201d made by her party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JUI-F says no \u2018evidence\u2019 presented
Senator Kamran Murtaza of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), who had earlier submitted a resolution opposing the imposition of governor\u2019s rule in KP, contended that no documentary evidence was presented before the Parliament for the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He argued that the proclamation under Article 234 required a report from the KP governor, but in this case, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had not presented a report explaining why governor\u2019s rule was necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JUI-F senator said the security situation in Balochistan was also grave and pointed out that a provincial government now had its writ in the Katcha areas without an emergency being imposed there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Murtaza stressed that free and transparent elections under a fair election commission were the only solution to the existing problems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD(National Times)- A joint sitting of the Parliament on Thursday gave its approval to the Centre\u2019s imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid a strong protest from the opposition. The joint session of the Parliament had been summoned to discuss separate resolutions on the imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":134893,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-134892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n