LAHORE: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has outlined clear limits on what can and cannot be said on the floor of the lower house, a move that is already drawing close attention from both allies and critics.
The speaker said that statements against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces would not be permitted in the National Assembly. His remarks were later shared through an official handout issued by the NA Secretariat.
Sadiq focused on that negative or controversial comments regarding the role of the judiciary, judges or the armed forces were unacceptable. Any form of criticism directed at the armed forces, he added, would be considered intolerable.
The speaker made it clear that parliamentary speech must remain strictly within the framework of the law and the Constitution. “Those who speak against Pakistan will not be allowed to express their views on the floor of the National Assembly,” he was quoted as saying.
Sadiq reasserted that he would continue to act impartially in his role as speaker, a responsibility that demands balance between freedom of expression and constitutional discipline.
He also touched upon the right to protest in a democratic society, describing it as a fundamental citizen right. However, he stressed that protests must remain peaceful and lawful. There was no room, he said, for arson, vandalism, or any damage to life and property.
“The use of sticks and weapons is a threat to the rule of law,” the speaker remarked, underscoring the need for order and restraint even in moments of political disagreement.
Meanwhile, the statement comes at a time when parliamentary conduct and political rhetoric are under heightened scrutiny.
Just over a month ago, Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasar issued a ruling barring criticism of what he described as “national heroes” and key state institutions, a move that had prompted visible dissent from opposition benches.
