Islamabad : Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held an informal discussion with journalists at the Parliament House, during which he shared details of his recent official visit to Bangladesh and addressed key parliamentary matters. He stated that, on the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, he visited Bangladesh to represent Pakistan and attended the funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. Speaker also said that the Bangladeshi people extended an exceptionally warm and cordial welcome to the Pakistani delegation, reflecting deep goodwill and affection.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also met with Indian Foreign Minister S. J. Shankar, who personally came forward to greet him, and he also held a cordial meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The meetings focused on strengthening parliamentary and people-to-people relations, and the Speaker remarked that the warmth, love, and sincerity shown by the Bangladeshi public during the visit would remain a lasting memory.
Commenting on parliamentary affairs, the Speaker emphasized that he remains fully independent and autonomous in his constitutional role within the National Assembly.He reaffirmed that the committee system of the National Assembly is fully functional in accordance with constitutional requirements. He also stated that his responsibility in negotiations is limited to facilitation. He further noted that the opposition has not yet formally approached him to initiate dialogue.
Regarding the appointment of the Opposition Leader, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that four letters have been sent to the Chief Whip on the matter by NationalAssembly Secretariat. In response to the fourth letter, the opposition submitted a certified copy of its decision. He informed that the constitutional process for the appointment of the Opposition Leader will commence in the upcoming session of the National Assembly, and that the process will proceed after verification of the signatures of opposition members.
Speaker also said that. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is a prudent, visionary, and astute political leader, adding that he would continue to seek guidance from the Prime Minister on all constitutional and legal matters.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
