ISLAMABAD – According to Dunya News, Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif asked on Monday that Article 6 be imposed against constitutional offenders, beginning with Field Marshal Ayub Khan.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Khawaja Aisf stated, “I fully support the opposition leader’s proposal to invoke Article 6, but it should begin from 1958 until 2022, when the then-Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri violated the constitution during the no-confidence process.”
The minister cited the Supreme Court’s intervention at the time, which reinstated the National Assembly and annulled the unlawful directive.
Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan has had hurdles since that time, implying that democracy has struggled to take hold in the country. He insisted that leaders involved in illegal actions face prosecution.
The minister accused the NA’s opposition leader of constantly backing dictatorships and illegal conduct, noting that his party had previously apologized for supporting General Ziaul Haq and is now seeking the same from opposition members.
He stated that the respect of all individuals involved in establishing a stable and developed Pakistan is critical, and those who act against the country’s interests will face legal consequences.
Khawaja Asif claimed that the opposition had yet to finalize the selection of the head of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
He accused the PTI chairman of corruption at the “Toshakhana” (state gift storehouse), alleging that gifts were sold in the market.
The minister also stated that the previous PTI administration concocted drug accusations against Rana Sanaullah.
Khawaja Asif urged opposition leaders to apologize for their involvement in breaking the constitution and dissolving the National Assembly during the no-confidence vote.
He strongly condemned the attack on military sites and degradation of martyrs’ memorials on May 9th of last year, calling it the saddest day in Pakistan’s history. The minister highlighted that such occurrences were intended to damage the country and constituted an exceptional tragedy.
Khawaja Asif disagreed with the opposition leader’s contention that reserved seats played a substantial impact in electing crucial National Assembly positions such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, and President.
He claimed that all government candidates obtained more votes than their opposition colleagues.
Furthermore, the minister claimed that the opposition leader ran for office under different symbols and switched parties.
Earlier, while opening the debate on the motion of thanks, the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Pakistan for his address to both Houses, and stated that his party has continuously supported programs aimed at the welfare of the citizens.
He stated that his party head and his wife should receive the greatest medical care possible at private facilities.
Omar Ayub declared that his party members would fight tirelessly to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution.
—-inputs from the app
Article 6 should be applied to violators of Constitution: Khawaja Asif
