Daily Times

ISLAMABAD. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Friday made it clear that constitutional amendment to re-establish military courts was possible only when all parties reach a consensus.

“It is a issue of national interest and an in-camera session of parliament may be summoned,” said the NA speaker while talking to a delegation of parliamentary reporters association at his chamber.

He, however, admitted that situation of law and order had improved after the establishment of military courts, but said that it was the right of parliament to decide on extension of such courts.

“We should not politicise the issue… some reservations were showed in the last two meetings of parliamentary leaders and now the government would answer these reservations in the next meeting,” he said.

To a question over privilege motion against the prime minister, Ayaz Sadiq said he would not comment on the issue. “It is the Supreme Court which should decide whether the prime minister has told the truth in the National Assembly or in the court, he said, adding: “I will take all parliamentary parties into confidence in the upcoming house business advisory committee meeting on the issue of privilege motion against the premier.”

Replying to another question over fake bank receipts, he said, “I was in London when my staff informed me about the receipts.” The State Bank governor and the Federal Investigation Agency have started a probe into the matter, he said, adding that it seemed to be a conspiracy against politicians. “I am hopeful that the picture would be cleared soon.”

When asked if the proceedings of the house could be covered through a mobile phone camera, the speaker said he would rule on the matter soon.