Asad Qaiser not working under any pressure: NA spokesperson

ISLAMABAD: The spokesperson of the National Assembly on Monday rejected allegations leveled by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the speaker of the House, Asad Qaiser, ARY News reported.

Khaqan had accused Qaiser of working under duress.

According to the NA spokesperson, the speaker isn’t working under any compulsion, nor he would do so.

“Proofs must be given with a claim whether the speaker had made this statement before anyone,” the spokesperson said.

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The spokesperson asserted that Asad Qaiser was performing his duties impartially and independently. “Allegation of the speaker working under pressure is totally baseless and unfounded.”

Khaqan recently during NA session had lashed out at the treasury benches for “holding the parliament hostage” and remarked that the House has not seen any constructive debate.

Speaking on the increase in prices of natural gas, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader said: “The common man is suffering because of the government’s policies. I have been the petroleum minister too and I can help them fix this mess.”

Calling upon lawmakers to work for Pakistan’s prosperity, he regretted that time was wasted on “irrelevant discussions” in the House. The opposition is ready to work nights and weekends if that means the parliament would function smoothly, he said.