Ayub described the approval of these six bills as a “shameful incident” and labeled the coalition a “government of thieves,” triggering uproar across the assembly floor
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly of Pakistan has been adjourned indefinitely following a heated session that highlighted escalating divisions within the chamber over recent legislative moves and accusations of corruption. Tensions flared as Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, representing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), delivered a scathing critique of the ruling coalition’s recent passage of bills, which included the Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at increasing the judiciary’s capacity, and the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill, 2024, which extends the tenures of the heads of the military services.
Ayub described the approval of these six bills as a “shameful incident” and labeled the coalition a “government of thieves,” triggering uproar across the assembly floor. The contentious atmosphere was further marked by technical disruptions when the livestream of the session on the National Assembly’s official YouTube channel unexpectedly went dark following Ayub’s remarks. The broadcast resumed when independent lawmaker Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, known for his previous support of the divisive 26th Amendment, took the floor to address the assembly.
In a dramatic moment, Khichi defended his integrity against accusations of bribery, solemnly declaring, “Standing beneath these pure names of Allah, I say that may Allah destroy me if I have taken even a single penny [as a bribe].” His statement served as both a defense against public allegations and an indictment of his party leadership, as he claimed, “This is true that our party leadership has sold us,” but insisted that he personally had not received any bribes. Khichi’s comments and Ayub’s forceful condemnation reflect the mounting frustrations among PTI members and their allies, who view the rapid passage of these bills as an erosion of institutional integrity.
The increase in the number of judges in the superior judiciary, a measure justified by supporters as necessary for alleviating case backlogs, has raised concerns among PTI lawmakers about potential political motivations. Likewise, the extension of military service chiefs’ tenures has drawn criticism from opposition figures who argue that it undermines the principle of institutional rotation and strengthens executive influence over the armed forces. As Khichi continued his address, PTI lawmakers began chanting slogans in protest, heightening the session’s chaotic atmosphere. In response, Deputy Speaker announced the prorogation order, issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, effectively ending the assembly session.
