NA speaker fumes over ministers’ absence, delayed replies

Islamabad witnessed a heated exchange between National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Thursday. The dispute centered around the non-receipt of answers to questions posed during the Question Hour and the absence of relevant ministers from the house. The speaker confronted the parliamentary affairs minister, warning him and other ministers of potential privilege motions due to the repeated failures and delays.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attempted to calm Sadiq, who labeled the situation "unfortunate" and demanded an apology from the law minister. The speaker questioned the IPC ministry's failure to respond to a question from the 26th session, noting that the current session was the 29th. Chaudhry claimed that the IPC Minister Rana Sanaullah, currently holding the portfolio, did not inform him of his absence nor provide the necessary replies.

The fracas escalated when MNA Chaudhry Ilyas pointed out that the question was submitted five months prior with no response. The speaker suspended the session for 15 minutes, directing the minister to summon key IPC ministry officials to remain present until proceedings concluded. The session resumed briefly, with cabinet members arriving before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's arrival to vote on two significant bills.