Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The parliamentary leaders in the National Assembly on Wednesday declared the controversial amendment as a ‘clerical mistake’ and decided to bring back the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat oath to its original form.

On Tuesday, opposition parliamentarians had pointed out that the wording of Form-A, which is submitted by candidates at the time of election, had been changed by turning it into a declaration form instead of an affidavit, in which candidates are put under oath.

In the new Form-A, the words “I solemnly swear” have been replaced with “I believe” in a clause relating to a candidate’s belief in the finality of the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).

Initially, Law Minister Zahid Hamid refused to buy the controversy when brought into his notice. However, to avoid any further misconception, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday called all the parliamentary leaders into his chamber to discuss the issue.

It was decided in the meeting that the original form of the affidavit will be kept intact and the assembly will make an amendment to this effect on Thursday (today).

Meanwhile, on a point raised by Leader of the Opposition Khurshid Shah about the absence of ministers, the chair said the ministers should ensure their presence in the House, otherwise strict action will be taken against them.

Published in Daily Times, October 5^th 2017.