Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Sunday, instructed that the proposed constitutional amendment put forward by few senators from the PML-N, regarding immunity for the Prime Minister, should be withdrawn immediately.
On X handle, the prime minister said that as a matter of principle, an elected prime minister must remain fully accountable, both before the court of law and the people. “On my return from Azerbaijan, I have learnt that some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the Prime Minister. While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately,” he said in a post.
Similarly, Speaker National Assembly (NA) Ayaz Sadiq has categorically refused to take any exemption under Article 248, citing sources reported.
Sources said the suggestion emerged in a joint parliamentary committee meeting on law and justice, proposing an exemption for the Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly as well, along with the President and Prime Minister. The suggestion was given owing to the constitutional posts of the Chairman of the Upper House of the Parliament and the Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament, the sources added.
When Speaker NA Ayaz Sadiq knew about the suggestion, he openly opposed the exemption. The Speaker also opposed the exemption with the committee Chairman, Mahmood Bashir Virk.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said, “He is an elected representative first and has the portfolio of the NA speakership later.” He categorically said that he does not require any exemption.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in honour of Senators from the government and coalition parties.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Senators from the government and coalition parties and thanked them for their cooperation in the process of approving the 27th Constitutional amendment. “We are grateful to President Asif Ali Zardari and the leaders of all coalition parties,” he said adding, “All coalition parties fully supported the national approach.” He said, “We all worked together for the 27th Constitutional amendment to strengthen the federation, for the wider interests of the country and to increase harmony between the provinces and improve governance.”
He said, “All the milestones achieved during this government are the result of mutual cooperation between the government and allied parties.”
“Pakistan’s diplomatic successes and recognition in the world are a reflection of harmony and mutual unity between all the coalition parties,” he observed.
“Thanks to the joint efforts of all of us, Pakistan has achieved an enhanced status,” he said adding, “The country’s economic situation is gradually improving.”
The Prime Minister said, “By the grace and mercy of Allah, the country’s direction has been corrected because of political and economic stability in the country.”
“Everyone has to work together for the development and prosperity of the country,” he added.