No province has authority to hold direct talks with any foreign country: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s statement about holding dialogue with Afghanistan, calling it a direct attack on the federation.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif said that no province has the authority to hold direct talks with any foreign country.

He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the National Assembly speaker to ensure the supremacy of the parliament.

The defence minister said the Sunni Ittehad Council had not lost their representation due to the speaker’s issuance of production orders, the official news agency reported.

He urged that the tradition set by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq should continue, stressing the importance of following rules and laws.

Recalling past events, he pointed out that during the PTI regime, the former speaker denied production orders of the arrested members.

The minister also informed the House of the victimisation carried out by the PTI government, stating that Rana Sanaullah, Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Ali Zardari’s sister had been arrested in fake cases.

Khawaja Asif further mentioned that the PTI was consulted on important legislation during the PDM government.

He said now is the time to promote politics of tolerance in the country.

Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan thanked Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for issuing production orders for detained members.

Rana Ansar raised concerns over the non-implementation of the maximum wage by the labour department, especially for female workers.

Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser alleged that his party members were being victimised and stressed that legislation should be made for the welfare of the people, not for individual interests.

He called for institutions to operate within their respective domains and suggested forming an all-party committee to investigate the mishandling of the parliamentarians.

He also recalled that he issued production orders for detained members during his tenure as speaker.

Mirza Ikhtiar Baig highlighted issues concerning IRSA (Indus River System Authority) and said a new chairman should be appointed following the code of conduct.

Asia Naz Tanoli suggested upgrading the daycare centre established in the National Assembly.

Sher Afzal Khan Marwat thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for issuing his production order and appreciated the care taken during his arrest.

He mentioned having a fruitful meeting with the speaker and recalled that, during the PTI government, he always raised his voice against the victimisation of members.

He expressed gratitude to the speaker, saying, “You showed grace, Mr. Speaker. You supported us, and I am thankful to you. You set a good example, and I will never forget this in my life.”

Marwat emphasised that political victimisation should not be promoted and appreciated the unity shown by all political parties in the parliament.