Speaker 'slip of tongue' ensures smooth business

ISLAMABAD - Speaker National Assembly Dr Fahmida Mirza Wednesday averted the controversy by terming it her 'slip of tongue when a couple of MPs rose on point of order and referred to the exchange of hot words between the chair and Leader of Opposition Ch Nisar Ali Khan as she reminded him to cut short his speech.
Soon after, Leader of the Opposition Ch Nisar finished his speech, Raza Hayat Hiraj rose on point of order and pointed out the rude behaviour of Opposition Leader Ch Nisar with the chair.
He was seconded by the Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs who had referred to the Rule 19 of Rules of Procedure for NA, which had authorized the ruling of the chair as final and asked the chair to come up with specific orders in that regard.
Ayaz Sadiq rose on a point of order and objected to the point of view of Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and said that it was the parliamentary norm that both Leader of the House and Leader of Opposition had privilege to speak on any issue without any time restraint.
He was on his feet that Kh Asif also intended to speak on the issue but Speaker Dr Fehmida smelling the rat used her wisdom and closed the chapter by saying that it was her 'slip of tongue and she did not want to force Leader of Opposition to cut short his speech but reminded him of the time he himself had mentioned while resuming debate after prayer break.
She further said that she was even ready to give more time to Leader of Opposition to express his point of view saying she did not want to spoil the good atmosphere of the House by indulging into such controversies.
Later some half dozen MPs had spoke on points of order and referred to the problems related to Railway department while a couple of lady members referred to the case of women victimization in their areas and as the relevant minister was not present Dr Babar Awan was asked by the chair to refer the cases to the quarters concerned for appropriate action.