MQM calls PTI presence in NA 'unconstitutional'

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar said Monday the participation of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) in the joint session of the Parliament was unconstitutional.

"PTI members partook in NA after ages...it should also be clear that they were members who had tendered their resignations."

"Under clause (1) of Article 64 of the Constitution, it is evident that when a parliamentarian tenders his/her resignation, it is considered as such and that parliamentarian should no longer attend House proceedings."

He further said there was "no question of accepting or not accepting a resignation...a resignation is a resignation and takes on constitutional importance once it is tendered."

Sattar said even if National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq permitted PTI members to return to NA after a seven-month hiatus, it was not authorised behaviour on his part.

"Being custodian of the Parliament and chairing the joint session, if the speaker violates clause (a) of Article 64 of the Constitution and other members of the House, too, maintain silence on the pretext of democracy, it is tantamount to making a joke of both democracy and the Constitution."

He said if a parliamentarian remained absent from House proceedings for 40 consecutive days, then he/she was automatically de-seated from NA membership.

He said the party may boycott and record the party’s protest until it was given an explanation regarding the attendance of PTI lawmakers in the Parliament.

"We have been mandated to protect the Constitution and until we get a response on this, we will continue to boycott the Parliament and record our protest; if need be we will also go to court," he said.