National Assembly Speaker Suspends Security Officials After PTI Lawmakers' Arrest

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has suspended five security officials after PTI lawmakers were arrested from the Parliament House. The suspensions followed an early-morning raid and led to widespread protests. An official investigation has been launched, with further actions including a committee formation and police involvement.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has suspended five security officials following the arrest of PTI lawmakers from the Parliament House, Dawn reported. The suspensions, lasting for four months, respond to the detainment of several PTI legislators from the Services Branch of the Parliament building. This move follows significant outcry from PTI members.

The arrests occurred early Tuesday morning when plainclothes officers entered the Parliament House, disconnecting its power supply to detain at least 11 PTI lawmakers. The incident prompted widespread protests from PTI members, leading the National Assembly Speaker to initiate an immediate investigation. According to an order from the National Assembly Secretariat, Sergeant-at-Arms Muhammad Ishfaq Ashraf was suspended for 120 days.

Security Assistant Waqas Ahmed and three junior security assistants were also suspended for 120 days, eligible for pay and allowances during this period. Speaker Sadiq called for an official investigation, requesting footage from Parliament House entry gates and meeting with multiple parliamentary leaders to preserve parliament's dignity and prevent future incidents.

Sadiq summoned Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi to provide details on the arrests and instructed Rizvi to present the detained PTI lawmakers before parliament. The arrest followed PTI's Sangjani power show, leading to the detention of senior PTI leaders. Gohar Ali Khan, PTI Chairman, clarified that PTI would not resign from any parliamentary assembly and criticized the arrest of MNAs without proper inquiry.

A 16-member committee was formed to investigate further. Speaker Sadiq urged political leaders to unite for parliament's betterment. PTI Chairman Gohar announced a boycott of parliamentary proceedings until a satisfactory inquiry is conducted. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned revenge politics, calling for collaboration to address national issues.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that no one should condone the incidents, calling it a collective violation of parliament. A police contingent, led by Senior Superintendent Arsalan Jahanzeb, stationed outside Parliament House led the arrests, revealing unmarked vehicles and power cut-offs. Detained MNAs were moved to the Central Investigation Agency Centre.

(With inputs from agencies.)