Islamabad (GNP): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq used the Budget Session 2026–27 to restate his commitment to upholding the Constitution, parliamentary traditions, and the dignity of the House.
Responding to the Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker said that if anyone believed he had committed a constitutional violation, they should spell out exactly what it was. He made clear that statements made outside the House, such as calls to raise private forces, expressions of support for a foreign country against Pakistan, or remarks targeting the armed forces, judiciary, and state institutions, would not be permitted on the floor of the National Assembly under any circumstances.
The Speaker drew a firm line around what parliamentary freedom of speech means, arguing that it must operate within the boundaries set by the Constitution, House rules, and established parliamentary norms. He rejected the notion that filtering out anti-state, anti-institutional, or inflammatory language from parliamentary proceedings amounts to any constitutional breach, and described protecting the sanctity and dignity of Parliament as his primary duty.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also pointed to what he called an inconsistency among certain members who publicly question Parliament’s legitimacy yet routinely use and sometimes exceed their allotted speaking time on the floor. He said this underscored the need to engage with democratic institutions constructively rather than dismissively, and stressed that such institutions deserve to be respected and built up over time.
On the role of parliamentary committees, the Speaker said their contribution to the legislative process is indispensable, and that active member participation in committee work is essential for meaningful oversight and sound policymaking.
He further told the House that when Pakistan’s national interests are at stake, political differences must take a back seat. He called on all parties and elected representatives to close ranks around questions of national interest, sovereignty, and stability rather than allowing partisan considerations to dominate.
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In a separate intervention during the same Budget Session, the Speaker addressed the relationship between the two Houses, stating that the Senate is a full and equal part of Parliament and that senators are valued colleagues in the legislative process. He urged members to be mindful of remarks that could be read as criticism of fellow parliamentarians, and called for mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation between the National Assembly and the Senate.
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.
