Islamabad: 24th June 2026; During the Budget Session 2026-27 of the National Assembly, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq addressed remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition and reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution, parliamentary traditions, and democratic values.

The Speaker stated that he had resigned from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1998 and that the resignation letter remains in his possession. He noted that the letter clearly outlined the reasons for his resignation and highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of party members and individuals within the party at that time.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq further informed the House that he joined Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) on 1st February 2001, when former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had been in exile for only fifty days. He emphasized that he had not joined a ruling party but rather a political party whose leadership was widely believed to remain outside Pakistan for many years.

Regarding his remarks about Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the Speaker stated that his comments had been misrepresented and taken out of context. He reiterated that the remarks were specifically related to Shah Mahmood Qureshi and that he continued to stand by his statement.

Responding to personal remarks directed at him during the House Proceedings, the Speaker noted that he had been referred to as a “Havaldar.” In a light-hearted manner, he observed that he knew of two kinds of Havaldars: those who defend the country’s borders with courage and sacrifice, and those who protect society by apprehending criminals and drug traffickers. He remarked that such comments were directed at his person, but he chose to respond with restraint and dignity.

The Speaker emphasized that while constitutional provisions protect the office of the Speaker from challenge and criticism within certain parliamentary parameters, he has never sought to prevent members from expressing their views and remains open to constructive criticism that contributes to institutional improvement.

Referring to allegations that he had violated the Constitution, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that he had repeatedly asked which constitutional provision had been breached but received no response before the Leader of the Opposition left the House. He stressed that all members should observe basics of parliamentary conduct and maintain mutual respect.

The Speaker stated that every member of the House is worthy of respect. He remarked that political offices are temporary and that no one can predict whether they will return to the next National Assembly. However, relationships founded on respect and dignity should endure beyond political differences, as political disagreements are about issues and policies rather than personal animosity.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reiterated that all his rulings and decisions are guided strictly by the Constitution of Pakistan and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.He added that while he consistently strives to avoid causing offence to any member, he is not infallible and remains committed to fairness and impartiality.

Highlighting the conduct of the Budget Session 2026-27, the Speaker stated that the Opposition was provided nearly twice the time originally allocated for participation in the budget debate. He informed the House that sixty-seven opposition members took part in the debate and that continuous efforts were made over three days to encourage all opposition members to attend and participate.

He further stated that security officials were personally instructed to contact opposition members and invite them to the House if they had not yet participated in the debate. Despite these efforts, several members did not attend.

The Speaker also noted that while discussions on cut motions typically involve five to ten members, the Chair allowed up to twenty-five opposition members to speak on cut motions to ensure maximum participation. He expressed regret that despite these opportunities, some opposition members later claimed before the media that they had not been given sufficient time to speak in the House.

The Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all members and maintaining the dignity, impartiality, and effectiveness of Parliament.