Some opposition MNAs in close contact with the government and ready to lend their support to the treasury benchers: PTI
Islamabad, March 18 (AsiaFreePress): After the presence of nearly a dozen Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) legislators in the Sindh House became public knowledge on Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser to commence the sitting of the lower house on March 21 and take action against “PTI’s possible turncoats”.
The decision was made in a meeting convened at the PM House, attended by Attorney General of Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan and the NA Speaker.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders claimed that some opposition MNAs were in close contact with the government and ready to lend their support to the treasury benchers.
However, opposition members and some constitutional experts were of the view that after the submission of no-confidence resolution against the prime minister, the speaker — in his capacity as custodian of the house — should not be taking part in any meetings called by the PM.
In a press conference, PTI leaders called Sindh House “the new Changa Manga” and claimed that money was being used to buy the loyalties of PTI lawmakers.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that a decision to summon an NA session would be taken by the speaker, and not the prime minister.
When asked about possible action against what he termed ‘PTI turncoats’, he said: “PM Khan has decided to de-seat them before voting on the no-trust motion.”
He said the treasury members currently in Sindh House had violated the Constitution and under Article 63 of the Constitution, the leader of the party could take action against them.
“PTI has initiated legal proceedings on the matter as per Article 63 (A) (1), if a party leader comes to a conclusion that a member of his party has defected, he can move a reference for their disqualification,” Chaudhry added.
In a joint press conference with the information minister and Energy Minister Hammad Azhar, PTI Secretary General Asad Umar said that PM Khan could also throw money at opposition lawmakers, but would not do so because he does not stand for the “politics of blackmailing and bribery”.
“Imran Khan is in politics not for himself, but for the nation,” he added. He also claimed some opposition MNAs were also in close contact with the government.
“We want to make it clear that we will not do any deals and will not disburse ministries to stay in power. We will remain engaged with our allies but there will be no wheeling and dealing,” said Azhar.
