Islamabad, April 16, 2025: The National Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday strongly rejected allegations made by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub against Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq concerning the handling of parliamentary questions and calling attention notices.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Secretariat clarified that comprehensive records are maintained for all questions and calling attention notices submitted by the Opposition Leader, their responses, and related parliamentary proceedings. The spokesperson further noted that a detailed response, along with supporting data, had already been shared with Mr. Ayub.
The Secretariat stressed its commitment to transparency, stating that the records of rejected questions and calling attention notices, along with reasons for rejection, had been made publicly available. According to official data, 320 questions submitted by treasury members and 127 by opposition members were disallowed due to non-compliance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
In several instances, questions from opposition members could not be taken up due to their absence from the House during protest walkouts.
Between the 2nd and 14th sessions of the current parliamentary term, Mr. Omar Ayub submitted 36 questions. Of these, 16 were selected through ballot. However, 6 lapsed due to his absence, 4 were responded to, and 6 were rejected on procedural grounds.
Regarding calling attention notices, the statement noted that Mr. Ayub submitted seven notices—two were presented and discussed in the House, while five lapsed. In total, opposition members submitted 283 calling attention notices during this period, of which 47 were brought before the House and 26 were discussed. Due to member absences or protests, 21 notices could not be taken up.
Additionally, 236 questions lapsed under Rule 94 due to procedural requirements not being met.
The National Assembly Secretariat reiterated its adherence to parliamentary rules and procedures and rejected any insinuation of bias in the management of House business.
