Speaker Ayaz Sadiq satisfied with system’s performance, stresses talks

Ayaz Sadiq said only the people could judge the system better. He said economic conditions had earlier become very bad but were now moving towards improvement.

He said Pakistan had won the war against India and then mediated between Iran and the United States, which had raised Pakistan’s standing. He said the whole world acknowledged Pakistan’s role as mediator.

The National Assembly Speaker said some people embarrassed the government in the House. As custodian of the House, he said, it was his responsibility to ensure that the work of those who worked hard did not go to waste. He said he had to be strict when the relevant ministers and secretaries were not present during Question Hour.

Ayaz Sadiq said PTI members kept meeting him. He said he had earlier taken part in talks between the PPP and the government as a mediator and was still doing so. He said the two parties had issues with each other and he hoped they would be resolved.

He said PTI should return to the committees, but it had left the field open. He said the committees’ work was not stopping because of PTI’s absence, but it could hold the government to better account by taking part. He said PTI should give proposals in the committees for holding the government to account and for reform.

On new provinces, the Speaker said everyone had their own opinion. He said there was no harm in debating new provinces and giving opinions. Some people were talking about local governments and some about new provinces, he said.

Ayaz Sadiq said every issue was resolved through dialogue and talks. He said no problem was solved by fighting and protest. He said PTI was uncertain about talks. When its members spoke of talks, he said, they got scared of Social Media.

The National Assembly Speaker said it would be good if a committee of those people sat down and decided.