Senate Deputy Chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi has given a ruling to immediately issue production orders for PTI’s Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, ensuring his presence for the upcoming presidential election tomorrow.
Afridi on Friday directed the Senate secretary to issue Chaudhry’s production orders. Senator Chaudhry’s participation in the election process is deemed essential, and the ruling underscores the Senate’s commitment to uphold democratic principles.
The directive came following a series of interventions by members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the Senate. PTI senators reached the deputy chairman’s dais, demanding Chaudhry’s production orders and stressing his presence and participation in the presidential election scheduled for tomorrow.
PTI’s Senator Ali Zafar reiterated the significance of Chaudhry’s right to vote in the presidential election and urged for swift action to facilitate his attendance. “Tomorrow is the presidential election, he has to vote, it is his right,” he stated, adding that the senator should be here at this important juncture.
He further said that there was no need to go to court when high court orders were there for reference.
Highlighting the legal framework governing such situations, Senator Zafar emphasized that the rules allow for the issuance of production orders for members of the House in similar circumstances. He urged for adherence to these rules, particularly considering Senator Chaudhry’s health condition, indicating that steps should be taken regarding his medical board at PIMS.
The deputy speaker declared that voting in the presidential election was Senator Chaudhry’s right, at which the PTI lawmakers lauded him for his directive.
Expressing solidarity with the PTI’s stance, Mushahid Hussain Syed echoed the sentiment, advocating for the release of Senator Chaudhry to ensure his participation in the democratic process. Furthermore, Senator Syed addressed various pertinent issues, including the release of political detainees and the importance of strengthening democratic institutions for the progress of Pakistan.
He said during the PTI government he had demanded the release of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and now, in similar vein, he was the first to demand PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s release. “There should be general amnesty after the general elections,” he stressed, adding that the PTI should not be deprived of women’s reserved seats, as this was their right.
“Relations with the army and judiciary should be good, as Pakistan will only strengthen with genuine democracy.
In another significant development, a resolution was passed by the House to declare slain former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a national democratic hero. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi presented the resolution, citing the Supreme Court’s verdict that highlighted the lack of a fair trial for Bhutto. The resolution garnered majority support from the Upper House, emphasizing the recognition of Bhutto’s contributions to democracy in Pakistan.
As discussions and deliberations continue in the Senate, the focus remains on upholding democratic values, ensuring the participation of all members in crucial processes, and honoring the legacy of iconic figures in Pakistan’s political history.
