Ayub specifically condemned the recent extension of military chiefs’ tenures, arguing that such decisions had detrimental effects on the careers of many officers
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: In a tense session of the National Assembly, opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan criticized the government for passing legislation under duress, asserting that the opposition was denied the opportunity to speak. He emphasized that bills should undergo discussions in standing committees before being voted on. Speaking during a point of order, Ayub expressed his discontent, stating, “Yesterday, the law was passed with force, and the house was full.
The force has been removed, and the house is empty,” highlighting what he perceived as a lack of transparency in the legislative process. Ayub specifically condemned the recent extension of military chiefs’ tenures, arguing that such decisions had detrimental effects on the careers of many officers. He made a poignant comparison, questioning whether the security forces had become as destructive as historical figures like Hulagu Khan, alluding to the devastation caused during the Mongol invasions. He pointed out the prevailing issues of inflation, claiming that while the government was preoccupied with passing legislation, the people continued to suffer economically.
“This is not a government, but a regime and a mafia. They are afraid of a person sitting in jail,” he remarked, criticizing the administration’s focus on governance amid public hardship. Ayub also reflected on the economic conditions during the previous government’s tenure, claiming a GDP growth of 6 percent. He challenged members of the assembly to engage with the public to gauge their experiences with rising inflation, suggesting that the government’s narrative did not align with the reality faced by ordinary citizens. He noted the resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal from the assembly and lamented that the government appeared indifferent to significant political developments.
The session took a contentious turn when Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah allowed Aurangzeb Kucchi, a defected member who joined the ruling coalition, to address the assembly. The PTI members responded by chanting “turncoats,” reflecting their disapproval of Kucchi’s switch in allegiance. Kucchi, while addressing the assembly, emphasized his integrity, asserting, “I swear by Allah that if I have taken even a single rupee, I will be held accountable.” He sought to clarify his position within the PTI, asserting that he played a role in the formation of a forward bloc in the party.
