Opposition members of the SenateÂ’s Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures boycotted a meeting of the committee on Friday to protest against Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Sher Afgan NiaziÂ’s remarks that both houses of parliament were uncivilised. The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of the Business in the Senate 1988. However, the meeting was adjourned without any discussion because of the opposition membersÂ’ boycott. Dr Ismail Buledi told committee chairman Col (r) Tahir Hussain Mushhadi at the start of the meeting that the opposition members had decided to boycott the session to protest Dr NiaziÂ’s remarks because they believed that the minister had breached the privilege of parliament and its members.
Dr Niazi, who was present in the meeting, said that he had no intention of disrespecting the members of parliament. “I only wanted to ensure order and decorum in the house during the president’s address,” he added. The treasury members of the committee said the opposition members should not boycott the meeting because the matter related to the National Assembly and the Senate. Mushhadi decided to adjourn the meeting, saying that the opposition was an integral part of the democratic system and the committee would proceed with all members onboard. He hoped after Dr Niazi’s explanation the matter would be resolved and opposition would attend next meeting.