ISLAMABAD – The opposition factions, after the general elections, have never openly accepted the results as the ‘mantra of manipulation’ always resonated in the parliament during the first few months.
The expected uproar by the opposition, in the 16th National Assembly, over the controversial results of the February 8 elections has highlighted the importance of parliament in the ranks of the PTI.
The former ruling party (PTI), in the 15th National Assembly, had chosen to submit mass resignations to the lower house of parliament. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a bid to force the government to hold elections, took the decision to dissolve the Khyber Pakhtunkhaw (KPK) and Punjab assemblies.
“The resignations of the National Assembly and the dissolution of two provincial assemblies would lead to elections in 66 percent of the country within 90 days,” the former prime minister had shared his plan, which could not be carried out for many reasons. .
The previous interim government, despite the dissolution of the two assemblies, enjoyed the longest period of government in the history of the country.
Although opposition members made every effort to re-enter parliament, the then National Assembly Speaker Raja Perviaz Ashraf flatly rejected their demand.
There is a contrast between these past steps taken by the PTI and the current interest of its legislators (represented as independent deputies) in the Lower House.
The opposition, in the last three months, has also not spared a moment in pointing out the lack of quorum in the chamber, which is considered the main responsibility of the government.
“If by virtue of subsection (2) of Article 55, at any time during a session, the attention of the President is drawn to the fact that less than a quarter of the total members of the Assembly are present, he shall suspend the debates. ” according to the rules and procedures.
The attendance and participation of these opposition members clearly reflect the stance of accepting the importance of parliament. For example, independent parliamentarians have shown great interest in the formation of permanent committees by taking the initiative to submit the names of their representatives to the National Assembly of Presidents.
In the current scenario, the opposition is strategizing to strongly express its protest against the budget proposals as the federal government is scheduled to present the Finance Bill 2024-25 on June 12.
Opposition parties are jointly developing a strategy to make it difficult for the coalition government to present the federal budget.
The Treasury benches must ensure a full presence in the chamber during the federal budget session to ensure its smooth passage with the existing majority.
Parliamentary gurus considered that senior legislators always give importance to parliament because they know its real importance.
“They often say in their speeches that Parliament is a supreme institution, so politicians should learn from it,” they said, mentioning that the interest of the current opposition in the lower house shows that they have learned the importance of parliament from their previous behavior.
