Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, leader of the Awami Muslim League, has criticized the Speaker’s handling of the arrest of former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif within the Parliament building, calling it a “violation of privilege” and urging the Speaker to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee.

Speaking on a news program “Spotlight” today, Abbasi stated that while the Speaker’s formation of a special committee was acceptable, the issue should have been referred to the Privileges Committee, which should have immediately summoned the IG and all relevant officials.

He emphasized that this was not the work of a special committee and that the National Assembly has clear rules that were deliberately disregarded.

Abbasi expressed concern that the matter would now be passed around committees, potentially taking five to six months before being dismissed. He argued that if the arrest was necessary, it should have been carried out at the gate.

He recalled an incident from 1990 when he and Aijaz ul Haq were stopped for 15 minutes by an SP at the Assembly gate, resulting in the SP’s career being terminated.

Regarding the Speaker’s proposal of creating a “Charter of Parliament” Abbasi questioned the need for such a document, stating that existing laws, the constitution, and the rules of the National Assembly should be enforced.

He suggested that if any amendments are required, they should be made to the existing framework.

Commenting on the potential legislation regarding the extension of the Chief Justice’s tenure, Abbasi stated that it was a personal matter for the Chief Justice.

He argued that the Chief Justice should choose to protect his honor or accept an extension, suggesting that accepting an extension would ultimately damage his reputation.

Responding to a question about the timing of the proposed extension of judges’ tenure, Abbasi questioned why the Assembly was not debating the matter. He pointed out that constitutional amendments are often made without extensive debate, suggesting that a six-month discussion was necessary to understand the motivations behind this particular proposal.