Political Disputes Must Not Weaken Parliament, Says Khawaja Asif in National Assembly

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday urged political parties to protect the dignity of Parliament and avoid turning political disputes into disruptions that could weaken democratic institutions.

Speaking in the National Assembly, he stressed that parliamentary stability is essential for democracy. He said political disagreements should be resolved through constitutional and legal channels rather than through obstruction of legislative business.

According to Beyond Time News, his remarks came amid continued tensions in the House, where opposition protests and procedural disputes have frequently interrupted proceedings.

Call to Uphold Parliamentary Sanctity

Khawaja Asif said Parliament represents the foundation of democratic governance. Therefore, he urged all political parties to ensure its smooth functioning.

He noted that leaders from major parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had faced imprisonment and political pressure in the past. However, he said they still respected parliamentary norms.

He added that despite personal and political hardships, these leaders chose legal and constitutional routes instead of disrupting institutions.

Criticism of PTI Disruptions

The defence minister also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He said the party had repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings over the past two years.

He argued that linking participation in Parliament with the imprisonment of political leaders had harmed legislative functioning.

Khawaja Asif said institutions must remain stronger than individuals. “Personalities come and go, but Pakistan remains,” he remarked during his speech.

According to Beyond Time News, parliamentary disruptions have become a recurring issue, affecting the pace of legislative work.

Right to Protest Within Democratic Limits

The minister acknowledged that political parties have the right to demand relief for their leaders. However, he said such demands must be pursued through legal and political frameworks.

He stressed that lawmakers should not block parliamentary proceedings. Instead, they should keep protests within constitutional limits.

He further said legislation is Parliament’s primary responsibility. Therefore, he urged members to prioritize lawmaking over confrontation.

Concerns Over Parliamentary Functioning

Khawaja Asif noted that some PTI members also want Parliament to function smoothly. However, he said repeated disruptions have reduced the institution’s effectiveness and credibility.

He warned that continued interruptions could weaken public trust in democratic processes.

According to Beyond Time News, political analysts have also raised concerns about increasing polarization inside the National Assembly.

Read more:Abraham Accords “Unacceptable,” Says Khawaja Asif

Kashmir Issue and National Unity

During his speech, Khawaja Asif also addressed the issue of Kashmir and the rights of Kashmiri refugees.

He said both Pakistanis and Kashmiris have made significant sacrifices for the Kashmir cause. He described the issue as a national concern rather than a regional dispute.

He emphasized that Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s national policy and identity.

Reference to Quaid-e-Azam’s Vision

Recalling the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the defence minister said Kashmir was described as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan.

He said this statement reflects the deep historical and emotional importance of the issue for the country.

According to Beyond Time News, political leaders across party lines continue to reference Kashmir as a core national issue in parliamentary discussions.

Broader Political Context

The National Assembly has recently witnessed frequent walkouts, quorum challenges, and heated exchanges between government and opposition benches.

Observers say these disruptions have slowed down legislative business during a crucial political period.

According to Beyond Time News, calls for restraint and institutional respect have increased as parliamentary tensions continue.

FAQs

What did Khawaja Asif say about Parliament?

He said political disputes should not weaken Parliament and urged parties to ensure its smooth functioning.

Which parties did he mention in his speech?

He referred to PPP, PML-N, and PTI during his remarks in the National Assembly.

What criticism did he make about PTI?

He said PTI had repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings over the past two years.

What did he say about Kashmir?

He described Kashmir as a national issue and recalled Quaid-e-Azam’s “jugular vein” statement.

What solution did he suggest?

He urged political parties to use constitutional and legal channels instead of disrupting Parliament.

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