Journalists stage walkout over MNA’s remarks
ISLAMABAD – Ruling party MNA Kashmala Tariq’s reported remarks on the formation of the cabinet caused ripples in the National Assembly followed by a journalists’ walkout.
After the consensus of the House, Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain referred the privilege motion to the concerned committee.
Speaking on his privilege motion, Salim Jan Mazari accused that Kashmala Tariq has given a derogatory statement in the press.
He read out her statement regarding the formation of the cabinet in which Kashmala Tariq stated that only Mazari, Leghari and Bazari people were absorbed in the cabinet.
Condemning her statement, Salim Jan said that this statement has breached the privilege of all cabinet members.
He demanded of the Speaker to asked Kashmala to apologise on the floor.
Expressing his views, Federal Minister for Information Technology Awais Ahmed Leghari said that Mazari and Leghari are very reputable families.
He also condemned Kashmala’s statement and demanded unconditional apology from Kashmala Tariq, as she has maligned Mazari and Leghari families.
He said that there should be a complete investigation and if Kashmala has not given such statement then the journalist who has published this story should apologise.
Journalists walked out from the Press Gallery in protest against Leghari’s demand that if the newspaper had printed the news item on its own then it should seek apology.
Minister of State for Labour and Manpower Senator Tariq Azim and Khwaja Saad Rafique from PML (N) came to the Press Gallery to bring them round.
However, journalists continued their protest demanding that Awais Leghari should seek unconditional apology on his statement.
MNA Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and others also expressed their solidarity with the journalists and raised their concerns on the floor.
However, journalists have announced to continue their protest on Tuesday as well against Awais Leghari’s remarks.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:9/21/2004
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