The National Assembly was informed on Friday that the federal government has no plan to hold any dialogue with the terrorist outfits, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

This was stated by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in categorical terms while responding to a calling attention notice in the House.

Responding to the notice, the federal minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to take firm action against the terrorists, saying there is zero tolerance policy towards the terrorists and the federal government is extending full support to the provinces to deal with the menace.  He said efforts are underway to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.

Responding to another calling attention notice, Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the prices of petroleum products are determined keeping in view the trend in the international market. However, he emphasized that the government has always endeavoured to minimize the burden on the masses.

He said the government is bearing the burden of 45 billion rupees for the next fortnight in terms of sales tax and petroleum levy.

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Azam Nazeer Tarar also emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary rules and traditions, urging the opposition within the National Assembly to ensure the smooth conduct of House proceedings.

Addressing concerns raised by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub regarding the absence of a motion of thanks on the presidential address in the agenda, Tarar reiterated the clarity provided by the Rules of the Procedures and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly 2007.

Citing Rule 60, which outlines the discussion of the President’s address, Minister Tarar highlighted the procedure stating, “At the first sitting of the Assembly held after the President’s address, a minister shall lay a copy of the address on the table.”

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He further emphasized the necessity of a motion of thanks as stipulated in Sub-Rule 2 of Rule 60 which states that the President’s address may be discussed by means of a motion of thanks moved by minister for [Parliamentary Affairs] and seconded by any minister or a member.

Additionally, Rule 61 was referenced, which pertains to the appointment of days for discussion, and Rule 62, specifying the scope of discussion, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these rules for productive parliamentary discourse.

Expressing dismay over the opposition’s behaviour during the address of the constitutional head of the country (President) in the joint session of Parliament, Tarar highlighted the need for decorum and respect for such occasions.

Speaking on a point of order, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) lawmaker Abdul Qadir Patel emphasized the importance of orderly conduct, ensuring that each member is given a fair opportunity to speak without disruption or disregard for parliamentary decorum by the opposition.

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Later, Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui laid before the house the National University of Technology Amendment Bill.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also laid before the house the Apostille Ordinance 2024 and the annual report 2022 of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Six-member panel of chairpersons

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday announced a six-member panel of chairpersons for conducting the proceedings of the House in the absence of the speaker and the deputy speaker.

The speaker, in pursuance of sub-rule one of Rule 13 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, announced that Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Syed Naveed Qamar, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Syeda Shehla Raza, Syed Aminul Haque and Sher Ali Arbab would conduct the proceedings of Lower House of the Parliament in the absence of the speaker and the deputy speaker.

Reporter Usman Khan