Islamabad, December 1, 2025: Monday’s session of the National Assembly turned tense as Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan engaged in sharp exchanges over recent political confrontations and divisions within the House.
Addressing the Speaker, Gohar Ali Khan recalled the legacy of Mahmood Khan Achakzai, noting that it has been 30 years since Achakzai first challenged undemocratic forces, including General Zia-ul-Haq’s 8th Amendment. He emphasized that Achakzai has consistently “strived for democracy” alongside many now critical of him.
“You have been with him for thirty years,” Gohar told the House, reaffirming that Achakzai remains the Leader of the Opposition and a respected democratic figure. He also criticized ministers who recently suggested imposing governor’s rule, saying, “More than half of your ministers were saying it.” Gohar assured the House that the opposition did not intend to escalate tensions, adding: “We guarantee you that we should not have attacked here… We are taking everyone together.”
Speaker calls for respectful dialogue
Responding to the remarks, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq questioned Gohar directly: “First tell me, how has my role been so far?”
Sadiq stressed that his “doors have always been open to everyone” and expressed frustration at lawmakers threatening or attacking the public. He called for parliamentary etiquette, saying:
“Come and talk to me in the chamber. Talk to me with love; no problem.”
“You people walk out and leave—you do not come to standing committees.”
The Speaker insisted that cooperation from all sides is necessary to maintain a functional and respectful parliamentary environment.
PTI Chairman reaffirms commitment to democracy
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan assured the House that PTI would not attack Parliament, emphasizing the party’s support for institutional strengthening. He praised Mahmood Achakzai’s father, Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai, for his sacrifice for democracy and criticized efforts to pass resolutions against the opposition leader.
Gohar also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of protection for opposition members inside the House and stressed that democracy requires space for differing opinions:
“I believed democracy meant giving space to differing opinions, but this is not the case here. We are present in this House for the sake of democracy—otherwise, we could have held our own assembly.”
Despite the heated exchanges, both sides expressed a desire to maintain democratic processes. The session concluded with appeals for restraint, constructive dialogue, and a renewed commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy.
