NA passes condemnation resolution against President Arif Alvi

National Assembly on Wednesday adopted a condemnation resolution against President Arif Alvi with an absolute majority.

According to the 24News HD TV channel, only the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) from the opposition benches opposed the resolution.

The channel report said that the condemnation resolution was moved by the lawmaker Mohsin Dawar against the President of Pakistan.

In the resolution, it is stated that President of Pakistan Arif Alvi issued unconstitutional orders about the appointment of the Punjab Governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema.

The resolution of the treasury benches said the President of Pakistan has also used the Presidency unconstitutionally.

The text of the resolution states that this House (National Assembly) considers that every citizen is subject to the Constitution.

According to the oath, the president will not give priority to personal interests over government interests during his tenure. The President of Pakistan is committed to the protection of the Constitution.

The resolution said the House strongly objects to the unconstitutional position taken by the President in the matter of the Governor’s removal.

The president's deviation from the constitution is against his office and the parliamentary democracy so the House stresses the Presidency to remain neutral and discharge his responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution.

Before passing the resolution, Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali explained the matter of appointment and removal of the Governor in the House.

Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf said that according to the judiciary, it is not the prerogative of the President but of the Prime Minister and the Federal Government who can remove the Governor.

In the House, Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf made it clear that it is up to the Prime Minister to remove or appoint the Governor and the President is bound to follow the advice of the premier.

Later, summing up the debate on the unconstitutional measures of the President in the National Assembly, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar said that the Constitution binds the President to the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet regarding the appointment or removal of the Governor.

Opposing the government’s stance, the GDA member Ghous Bakhsh Mehr said that this is a presidential power which cannot be questioned.

Mehr said the President of Pakistan has the power to block the government's decision to remove the governor so the matter should be referred to the Supreme Court for clarification.

The National Assembly will meet again tomorrow at 11 o'clock.